One hundred seventy two people from eight states reported illness after attending the Chincoteague Chili and Chowder Cook Off held on September 30. Ill cases were laboratory confirmed with Salmonella Javiana. The Eastern Shore Health District (Virginia) conducted an on-line survey of event attendees. In addition to residents of Virginia and Maryland, illness was reported by residents of Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and North Carolina. All cases attended the event. Environmental health specialists interviewed food handlers and conducted inspections of restaurants where professional competitors prepared food. Available food samples and stool samples from asymptomatic food handlers were tested for Salmonella.

Of all exposures, chowder prepared by the Crab Shack had the closest association with illness. Investigators did not identify the source of contamination although the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond isolated Salmonella Javiana in a sample of Crab Shack Clam Chowder obtained from an attendee.