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There was only one outbreak during the year to be reported to the Ministry of Health in
accordance with Memo. 188 Med. of the Ministry of Health
In accordance with Circular 2/50 of the Ministry of Health, the table summarising this
outbreak is as follows:-
Date No. of No. of No. of No. of Poods involved and
Notifi- persons cases deaths organisms responsible
cations served reported
26.4.67 - 400 35 - Roast Lamb
Clostridium Welchii
Outbreak Report
Information was received on 26th April of an outbreak of suspected food poisoning
which occurred at a local school some twelve to eighteen hours after consumption of a school
dinner which included roast lamb, mashed potatoes, cabbage, baked beans, jam sponge and
custard.
Two schoolteachers and thirty-three schoolchildren reported symptoms of diarrhoea and
abdominal pain, and some with vomiting.
It was ascertained that the roast lamb had been cooked on Monday afternoon, 24th April,
and refrigerated. On Tuesday morning it was sliced and then re-heated in a steamer. Fresh
hot gravy was added.
A portion of the lamb remaining was sent for laboratory examination which showed a
heat resistant CI. Welchii organism present. This organism was also found in twelve of the
twenty-four cases submitting faecal specimens.
This outbreak would appear to follow the typical pattern of food poisoning associated
with CI. Welchii, i.e. meat cooked on one day. allowed to cool slowly, and subsequently
reheated the following day.
Due to staff changes, an incorrect procedure had been adopted and meat for this meal
was cooked the day before, along with meat for a transported meal to another school, which,
incidentally reported no cases of illness.
The attention of the kitchen staff was drawn to the correct procedure and meat for
this school is now cooked on the day it is to be served.
Amongst the many Salmonella outbreaks investigated by the department, the following is
mentioned because of the severity of the clinical condition of the patient.
A female, 45 years, was admitted to an isolation hospital with a two day history of
diarrhoea and vomiting. This was severe, persistent and on admission the patient was
seriously ill, temperature 100°F, dehydrated, blood pressure 110/60 Except for an abdominal
scar no abnormal physical signs were noted. In hospital diarrhoea persisted and intravenous
infusion was required.
The patient remained seriously ill for the first week in hospital with persistent
diarrhoea from which Salmonella panama was isolated on many occasions, (blood culture did
not produce pathogenic organisms).
In addition it was considered that the severe anaemia, which this patient also had, was
almost certainly related to the malabsorption as a result of an abdominal operation which
was carried out seven years ago. She was treated with intramuscular iron and one dose of
Vitamin B. 12.
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