2016 Outbreak of Gastroenteritis Associated with Consumption of Fiddlehead Ferns, Colorado
On July 11, 2016 fiddlehead ferns were served at a banquet in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Attendees became ill with vomiting and diarrhea within an hour of the meal (incubation range 1 to 18.5 hours, median 2 hours). Sixty four people reported symptoms. No one was hospitalized and no one died.
Investigators determined that the fiddlehead ferns were baked at 350 degrees for 13 minutes instead of boiled. They theorized the outbreak was due to an undetermined toxin.
Overview
| Outbreak began: | July 2016 |
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| Affected country: | US |
| Pathogen: | Toxin |
| Vehicle(s): | Fiddlehead fern |
| Location(s): | Banquet |
| Molecular test results: | no |
Health impact
| Total ill: | 64 |
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Sources & documents
| Outbreak documents | ||
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