This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Foodborne illness outbreak in Louisiana linked to jambalaya
Officials with the Louisiana Department of Health have linked 158 foodborne illnesses and 40 hospitalizations to contaminated jambalaya that was served at a fundraiser in Caldwell Parish.
The health department is also investigating whether a recent death is linked to the outbreak, according to a press release.
So far, illnesses have been reported in individuals aged 10 to 82 years. Two pathogens — Salmonella and Clostridium perfringens — have been identified as causes of the illnesses.
“This particular outbreak is uncommon by the number of people who became ill and the severity of illness, which is probably related to co-contamination by both these organisms,” David Holcombe, MD, MSA, regional administrator and medical director of Louisiana’s Office of Public Health, told Infectious Disease News. “It is very unusual to have two pathogens in the same food source. Salmonella is much more common. There are around 1 million cases each year in the United States, causing 20,000 or so hospitalizations and 450 deaths. C. perfringens is not as common and tends to be associated with a slightly higher mortality rate, especially in people who may be ill for other reasons.”
Five samples of jambalaya have tested positive for Salmonella. Holcombe said that jambalaya, which is traditionally made with chicken, sausage, rice, green peppers, onions and celery, is often served at fundraisers because it can be prepared in large quantities. This outbreak, he added, underscores the importance of ensuring that meals are properly prepared, especially with the holiday season approaching.
“This happens often all over the United States,” he said. “Any time you are producing larger quantities of food, whether it be for family or a fundraiser, adequate food preparation is absolutely critical.” – by Stephanie Viguers
Disclosure: Holcombe reports no relevant financial disclosures.