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The Public Health Laboratory discounted involvement of the peas and
rice, and were unable to isolate pathogens from the tins. The laboratory then
reported the presence of S. colindale, S. eimsbuettel and S. derby in the faeces
of all seven patients.
Further enquiries showed that these same people shared a meal consisting
of chicken, rice and split peas three to four days before the onset of symptoms.
The chicken was bought some 24 hours before consumption and kept in a
refrigerator then stewed for two hours. It was found to be one of a consignment
from another part of the country which were not prepared prior to dispatch,
nor individually wrapped. It is not known whether evisceration took place at
the retail butcher or at home.
The Health Department of the area in which the chicken farm is situated
was informed of the findings.
FOOD POISONING - (STAPHYLOCOCCAL)
One evening a general practitioner was asked to see a couple who were
suffering from acute gastro enteritis which they attributed to some tongue
bought earlier that day in a shop adjoining their home.
Fortunately the purchase, which was from a newly opened tin, was made
just prior to closing on early closing day, and the doctor suggested that the tin
of tongue should be put aside for examination. The slicing machine had been
cleansed immediately on closure of the shop.
Bacteriological examination showed the presence of Staph. Aureus in small
numbers in the vomit of one patient and the faeces of the other, and a heavy
growth from the can which had contained the tongue.
EPIDEMICS
In no case did the incidence of any disease reach epidemic proportions,
but prompt action in the early stages of any known or suspected case is an
essential factor in the prevention of spread of disease. For this reason close
liaison and co-operation is maintained between Boroughs, Schools, Nurseries
and Hospitals and this plays a large part in supplying early information of
epidemic threatening situations.
In this field, it is unusual to encounter less than full co-operation from
organisations, businesses and members of the public once the need has been
explained.