1987 Outbreak of Shigellosis at a Rainbow Family Gathering, North Carolina
For two weeks, members of the Rainbow Family gathered from around the United States at a national forest area in North Carolina. The facilities were insufficient to support the hygiene needs of the large crowd. An outbreak of Shigella sonnei infections began in early July and spread rapidly throughout the gathering. Transmission was assumed to be by food, water, and person-to-person contact. Secondary infections occurred after ill persons returned to their home communities.
Tags:
s.+sonnei, shigellosis, shigella+sonnei, Rainbow Family, ill foodhandler, person to personOverview
| Outbreak began: | July 1987 |
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| Affected country: | US |
| States/territories: | NC |
| Pathogen: | Shigella |
| Vehicle(s): | Ill foodhandler, Person-to-Person |
| Location(s): | Camp |
| Brand name(s): | Rainbow Family Gathering |
| Molecular test results: | Not reported |
Health impact
| Total ill: | 6350 |
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Sources & documents
| Report / reference links | ||
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