Open AccessTwo successive outbreaks of Clostridium perfringens at a state correctional institution.
Author(s) -
D R Tavris,
Rene Murphy,
James W. Jolley,
Stanley M. Harmon,
Corrine M. Williams,
C L Brumback
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.75.3.287
Subject(s) - outbreak , clostridium perfringens , etiology , medicine , food poisoning , population , environmental health , veterinary medicine , biology , virology , pathology , genetics , bacteria
An outbreak of acute gastrointestinal illness of short duration involving 100 inmates at a correctional institution followed a similar outbreak among the same population by eight days. Clostridium perfringens was the specific etiology in both outbreaks; the vehicle was roast beef in the first outbreak, ham in the second. Direct observation of food handling practices revealed that the meats were not cooled quickly enough following cooking; not reheated adequately prior to serving, and; held at improper temperatures prior to serving.