In May 2011, Kansas public health officials investigated an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness among staff and residents of a juvenile correctional complex located in Topeka, Kansas. One hundred fifteen outbreak associated cases were identified. Six illnesses occurred in staff and 109 illnesses occurred in residents. Onset dates ranged from May 25 to May 26. Two stool specimens were collected for testing. Specimens were negative for Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter and STEC. These specimens were not cultured for B. cereus or C. perfringens nor were they tested for any bacterial toxins. No one was hospitalized and no one died.

Food items served for lunch and dinner on May 25 were analyzed for association with illness. Of those food items, eating the chili macaroni that was served for lunch was associated with illness (relative risk [RR] = 3.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10-12.11, P- value < 0.0001).

Investigators concluded this outbreak of an acute onset of gastrointestinal symptoms was likely caused by C. perfringens. The chili macaroni that was served for lunch on May 25 was significantly associated with illness. A sample of the chili macaroni and rice was collected and subsequently tested positive for C. perfringens; however, the culture yielded a much lower concentration than thought to cause illness.
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