Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #110910

Maria J. Chudoba, MD, MPH, Communicable Diseases, Cook County Department of Public Health, 1010 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301, (708) 492-2174, mariachudoba@hotmail.com, Michael O. Vernon, DrPH, Communicable Disease Control Unit, Cook County Department of Public Health, 1010 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301, Shawn Cesario, RN, Communicable Diseases, Lake County Health Department, 3012 Grand Ave., Waukegan, IL 60085, Steve Seweryn, MPH, Epidemiology, Cook County Department of Public Health, 1010 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301, and Neil E. Winston, MD, Communicable Disease and Bioterrorism Preparedness, Cook County Department of Public Health, 1010 Lake st., Oak Park, IL 60301.

INTRODUCTION Foodborne disease outbreak investigations require expertise in communication, survey methods and data collection. When multiple jurisdictions are involved, collaboration and delineation of participant roles are paramount. In October 2004 an outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred among 225 persons attending two events in Lake County, IL, catered by a Cook County, IL caterer.

METHODS Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) and Lake County Health Department (LCHD) coordinated the outbreak response. CCDPH conducted a sanitation inspection and employee interviews. LCHD conducted a cohort study. A standardized questionnaire was used which listed all items served including beverages and ice. Questionnaires for 30 ill and 14 well were completed.

RESULTS Items significantly associated with illness were consumption of ice (RR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.28-3.55) and diet cola (RR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.19-2.41). Employee interviews linked these items to a sick food handler at one of the two events. Eight stool specimens, including one from the food handler, were positive by RT-PCR for norovirus subtype G1.

CONCLUSIONS The success of this investigation relied on the efficient coordination of activities between two health departments. Protocols for outbreak investigations must emphasize the importance of minute details in questionnaire design and in obtaining accurate exposure and illness history. Consistency in methodology is necessary to assure the success of collaborative efforts in multi-jurisdictional outbreaks.

Learning Objectives:

• To recognize the importance of collecting accurate epidemiological data from cases, controls and food-handlers
• To enhance cooperation and sharing of relevant information among health departments
• To develop protocols for multi-jurisdictional outbreak investigations

Keywords: Communicable Disease, Outbreaks

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation