First incursion of Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium DT160 into New Zealand.

Craig N Thornley,Carolyn M Nicol,Greg C Simmons,Nicholas K.G Garrett,Megan L Callaghan,Michael G Baker,Kylie S Gilmore

doi:10.3201/eid0904.020439

Abstract

Highlights

First Incursion of Salmonella enterica Serotype TyphimuriumAn outbreak of human Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium DT160 infection in New Zealand was investigated from May to August 2001
Rates of reported salmonellosis in New Zealand are relatively high for an industrialized country, strict biosecurity has prevented extension to New Zealand of the global pandemics of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis and S. enterica serotype Typhimurium definitive type (DT) 104 (2)
Recognizing the potential for a widely dispersed foodborne outbreak, we expanded the investigation throughout New Zealand

Summary

First Incursion of Salmonella enterica Serotype Typhimurium

An outbreak of human Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium DT160 infection in New Zealand was investigated from May to August 2001. Handling of dead wild birds, contact with persons with diarrheal illness, and consumption of fast food were associated with infection. A case-control study and environmental investigation were undertaken to identify the vehicle of infection and source of the outbreak. The questionnaire covered symptoms (patients only) and contact with other symptomatic persons, bird or animal contact, and food consumption in the 3-day period before onset of illness (cases and controls). Samples from the drinking water supply of case-patients with a history of recent consumption of nonreticulated water were collected and tested for coliforms and S. enterica by using standard methods (6). Frequency of selected exposures among case-patients and controls, Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 outbreak, New Zealand, 2001

Consumption of raw eggs

Findings

Conclusions