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12
A small outbreak of food poisoning in the borough of Hackney was investigated
in July. Fourteen cases were under observation, and inquiries elicited the fact
that three families residing in Tottenham had also been affected. The source of
infection in all these cases was suspected to be brawn obtained from a tradesman
in Hackney. All the cases recovered rapidly.
A number of employees at an office in St. Pancras suffered from illness thought
to have been caused by food eaten at the staff canteen on 9th October. Three of
the employees who were living in the London area were notified as cases of food
poisoning. None of the food eaten at the meal was available for analysis, and
material from three patients was bacteriologically examined with negative results.
All the cases were mild, and the persons concerned returned to work after short
absences.
On 6th November, 17 persons employed in an establishment in St. Pancras
were notified as suffering from food poisoning after partaking of a meal in the staff
canteen. No food was available for analysis, but it was believed that the outbreak,
which was very mild in character, originated from the food consumed in the staff
canteen.
Thirty persons residing in a block of service flats in Westminster were notified
on 17th October as suffering from food poisoning. No pathogenic organism was
isolated from the suspected food—salt beef; and the history of the outbreak suggested
that it was due to some toxic products contained in the food eaten.
On 23rd October, another 43 persons employed in an establishment in the City
of Westminster were the subjects of gastro-intestinal disorders. Exhaustive examinations
were carried out under the direction of the medical officer of health for
Westminster, with samples of food eaten in the staff canteen. No pathogenic
organisms were isolated, and it was concluded that the symptoms were definitely
not attributable to any organism recognised to cause food poisoning.
An outbreak of food poisoning was reported amongst the students and staff
of a women's training college at the end of October, 1936. In all, 58 students and staff
were affected out of about 200. The attacks were, on the whole, of moderate
severity, and the majority of the patients were convalescent in two or three days.
An investigation was carried out by Dr. Gunn, divisional medical officer, assisted by
the local medical officer of health and Dr. Scott of the Ministry of Health. An
unusual type of organism was isolated from a number of the patients, quite unlike
the organisms commonly associated with outbreaks of food poisoning and it is
possible that this unidentified organism or its toxin was the primary cause of the
disorder.
The following table shows the age and sex incidence in all cases notified during
the year:—

In 55 cases the ages were not stated.