Open AccessA Food Poisoning Outbreak in Al-Khazir U2 Camp of Internally Displaced Persons - Iraq, Summer 2017
Author(s) -
Kamal A Kadhim,
K Fathallah,
Al Jaafar,
Aisha Soleman Hamad,
Safaa Saadoon,
Ziad T. Awad,
Faris Lami
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
iproceedings
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2369-6893
DOI - 10.2196/10573
Subject(s) - outbreak , food poisoning , vomiting , medicine , environmental health , diarrhea , nausea , surgery , virology , pathology
Background Globally, about 600 million fall ill and 420,000 die every year after eating contaminated food. On June 12, 2017, Iraq CDC informed about a food poisoning outbreak among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Al-Khazir camp, Northern Iraq after consuming “Iftar” (Ramadan breakfast) provided by an NGO. “Iftar” was composed of rice, white bean broth, chicken, yogurt, date and bread. Objective The objective was to describe the outbreak, identify the causative agent and recommend preventive measures. Methods A team of FETP residents dispatched to investigate the outbreak. The case patient was defined as any person in the camp who ate “Iftar” and developed nausea/vomiting or diarrhea or abdominal pain. A retrospective cohort study was initiated. Results Conclusions The large number of ordered meals from a single restaurant led to suboptimal food preparation and storage. We recommended rigorous implementation of food handing instructions and health education of the food handlers.