Open AccessAn outbreak of watermelon-borne pesticide toxicity.
Author(s) -
M A Green,
Michael Heumann,
H. M. Wehr,
L R Foster,
Linna Williams,
Jacquelyn A. Polder,
Christopher L. Morgan,
Susanne Wagner,
LA Wanke,
J. M. Witt
Publication year - 1987
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.77.11.1431
Subject(s) - outbreak , aldicarb , environmental health , pesticide , public health , medicine , toxicology , biology , virology , ecology , pathology
The largest reported United States outbreak of illness caused by a foodborne pesticide was due to aldicarb-contaminated watermelons. In Oregon, where the first episodes of toxicity were reported, 264 reports were received, and 61 definite cases were identified. Residues of aldicarb, a cholinesterase inhibitor, were found in 10 of 16 tested melons which had been eaten by persons meeting the case definition. The outbreak demonstrates the need for enhanced physician vigilance with respect to anticholinesterase intoxication. It also demonstrates the value of an established system for reporting of unusual illness to public health officials.