2012 Outbreak of Scombroid Poisoning Associated with a Restaurant, Minnesota

In September 2012 Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) officials investigated an outbreak of illness among a group of diners at a restaurant located in Lakeville, Minnesota. Two members of a group of 6 developed scombroid-like symptoms after consuming seared or blackened tuna at the restaurant on September 7. A third person developed mild symptoms and was not considered a case. The incubation periods for the two cases were 30 minutes and 90 minutes. One case reported dizziness, headache, red blotches on the face and body, facial flushing and itching. The second case reported abdominal pain, red blotches on the face and body, and flushing of the face and chest. No stool samples were submitted to the Minnesota Department of Health. The restaurant did not receive any additional complaints of illness from patrons. All cold-holding temperatures of tuna were below 41 degrees F. There was no tuna leftover from the September 7 meal for testing.

Overview

Outbreak began:September 2012
Affected country:US
States/territories:MN
Pathogen:Scombroid poisoning
Vehicle(s):fish
Location(s):Restaurant
Molecular test results:no

Health impact

Total ill:2

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents