2007 Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium at the University of Western Ontario, Canada

An outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium, PT 108, spread from a food court on the campus of The University of Western Ontario. There were two phases of the outbreak. The first phase appeared to be related to food from the University Community Center (UCC). Initially the majority of ill persons had eaten at the pita outlet. The second phase was related to eating food prepared at the UCC, but available at a variety of on-campus locations. Food handlers were infected with Salmonella, however the onset of their illnesses occurred after the beginning of the outbreak so they were not likely to be the original source of the outbreak. Food service inspection revealed some problems with food handling and cross contamination potential. Raw chicken was routinely handled near the pita station. Salmonella Heidelberg was isolated from the raw chicken. Bacillus cereus was isolated from a chicken sample taken directly from the pita outlet.

Overview

Outbreak began:November 2007
Affected country:Canada
States/territories:NA
Pathogen:Salmonella Typhimurium
Vehicle(s):chicken
Location(s):University
Molecular test results:PT108

Health impact

Total ill:90
Number hospitalized:7

Sources & documents

Report / reference links