Fort Bliss, Texas 1998: Acute Gastroenteritis Outbreak.
Abstract
An outbreak of gastroenteritis hospitalized 99 U.S. Army trainees at Fort Bliss, TX, between 27 AUG - 01 SEP 98. Case mapping demonstrated geographic clustering inconsistent with contamination of the general water supply. The nature of the outbreak and the presenting symptoms of the soldiers were most consistent with a naturally occurring viral gastroenteritis outbreak. Analysis of questionnaire data revealed a strong association between illness and one dining facility. A strong association between dining facility soft drink dispensers was also found. interviews with dining facility personnel revealed that one worker, a baker, had been ill while working in the early morning hours of 26 AUG 98. No single source (food, beverage, or individual) was identified as causing all disease. On 18 SEP 98, the Viral Gastroenteritis Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported identification of a calicivirus in 15 of 20 stool samples from ill trainees. Stringent enforcement of safe food handling practices, particularly the immediate removal of ill food workers from food preparation areas, was recommended.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA362944
Entities
People
- Brian H. Feighner
Organizations
- United States Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine