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19
The second outbreak affected factory staff who had dined at a works
canteen.
Bacteriological examinations of the food consumed, and specimens from
those taken ill, showed that the food poisoning organism was heat-resistant Clostridium
Welchii. This was found to be present in the meat and also in seven of
those affected. This organism is particularly difficult to deal with because of its
resistance to normal cooking procedures, and the fact that it may be present
on meat which is otherwise perfectly sound, and it therefore remains undetectible.
Only general safeguards can be advised in the form of thorough
cooking of meat and avoidance of meat left over being kept at room temperature
awaiting further consumption.
Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever, now being a somewhat rare disease in this Country, may
therefore warrant special mention if a confirmed case occurs. A woman was admitted
to hospital for observation, and a diagnosis of typhoid fever was subsequently
confirmed. Although not subject to confirmation bacteriologically, it is considered
highly probable that the source of infection in this case was due to the consumption
of infected oysters. These were purchased in another area, but although further
enquiries were made no information was obtained as to the occurrence of any other
cases ; the patient's family and other contacts of this case were kept under observation,
but, fortunately, this remained an isolated case.
Dysentery
In accordance with experience in previous years, dysentery did not increase
during the warm summer months. It will be seen from the table on page 20
that the greater number of cases occurred during the last three months of the year.
Most of the November and December cases were in children attending a school, and
cases at home and their contacts were dealt with in full co-operation with the
Divisional Medical Officer. It will be noted from the table that a substantial number
of dysentery contacts were engaged in occupation as food handlers, and were either
kept under observation, or excluded from work, as required.
All notified cases were visited by a Public Health Inspector or Infectious Disease
Visitor, and stool specimens were examined at the Public Health Laboratory Service
Bacteriological Laboratory, County Hall, S.E.I.