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
Affected country:US
Pathogen:Toxin
Vehicle(s):Fiddlehead fern
Location(s):Banquet
Molecular test results:no

Health impact

Total ill:64

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents