CEHA 2024

In August 2023, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) received an initial phone report from a school nurse indicating that about 20 known individuals fell ill after attending a catered back to school event the night prior to report. Within hours of notification, the JCPH environmental health and epidemiology teams collaborated to initiate structured case interviews and an on-site NEARS investigation. Of 400 attendees, 136 complete surveys were returned, and 74 respondents fit the case definition, resulting in a 34% response rate among attendees and a 54% attack rate among respondents. No pathogen was clinically identified, since only 3 individuals (4%) agreed to submit stool samples, and only 1 sample was ultimately procured. However, when input into the FoodNet Pathogen Predictor, the combination of epidemiological data and environmental assessment findings indicated a 99.24% probability of Clostridium perfringens infection. Post-outbreak, notable actions included educational sessions with the event caterers that highlighted the need to implement actionable monitoring systems for temperature holding equipment, as well as communication with a legal firm seeking information regarding the outbreak. Main take-aways from the investigation included the importance of emphasizing rapid response to foodborne illness reports, promoting cross-divisional collaboration, and maintaining accurate documentation, as well as the need to identify methods to enhance stool sample submissions.