Epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of food poisoning in an officers’ mess

Abstract

Background: Foodborne infection is a major cause of illness and death worldwide, having long term effects on children’s growth; and considerable illness, heavily affecting healthcare systems. To investigate an outbreak of food poisoning which occurred in an officers’ mess.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in the setting of an officers’ mess in an army unit. Standard statistical methods such as calculation of percentage and Chi square were utilized for analysis.Results: It was observed that seven (63.6364%) cases were amongst officers, 3 (27.2727%) cases were among ladies and 1 (9.0909%) case was amongst ORs. 100% cases occurred within 9 to 20 hours of consuming the food.Conclusions: A small scale outbreak of food poisoning occurred in an officers’ mess in a military establishment. Clinically the most likely causative organism was suspected to be Salmonella typhimurium. No microbiological confirmation could be carried out as no food sample was available for the same.