2017 Outbreak of Staphylococcus aureus Among Hospital Staff, Texas

After Hurricane Harvey, an outbreak of foodborne illness occurred at a hospital in Houston. An investigation implicated a donated catered meal contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus. The meal was served to staff working at the hospital on September 1, 2017. Ninety two staff of 191 staff working that day reported consuming the meal. Of those, 50 people reported acute onset of gastrointestinal symptoms within 14 hours of the meal. All ill staff recovered within 24 hours. No one was hospitalized and no one died.

Overview

Outbreak began:September 2017
Affected country:US
States/territories:TX
Pathogen:Staphylococcus aureus
Vehicle(s):Unknown
Location(s):Catered Event
Molecular test results:no

Health impact

Total ill:50

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents