Posted on 09/08/2002 2:21:03 PM PDT by Free Vulcan
It's not too far–fetched to suggest that the type of salmonella that has sickened about 25 Burlington area residents, may one day be known as the "Burlington" strain of the bacteria.
Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta have confirmed that the strain of the bacteria here has seldom, if ever, been identified anywhere else in the country, said state epidemiologist Patricia Quinlisk.
"This may never have been seen before," Quinlisk said. "It's absolutely unique."
According to the CDC, Quinlisk said, the characteristics of this strain are rare.
She said the Burlington strain is more virulent than other forms of salmonella but that it is also more sensitive to antibiotics than other strains.
She said it is also capable of being transferred from person to person in the same household, which is atypical of other strains.
Quinlisk said because it is the rare form of the bacteria has not been found in other parts of the state or country, it probably was not carried in the nationally distributed commercial food system.
She said the fact that it is responsive to antibiotics suggests that rather than being a new strain, it may be a very old strain that for some reason resurfaced in Burlington.
Eateries commended for their reaction to salmonella outbreak.
By Dennis J. Carroll
The Hawk Eye
Despite an outbreak of salmonella in the community, Burlington–area residents should feel safe eating out at their favorite restaurants, a state health official said Thursday.
"I would have no more concern eating at a Burlington restaurant than I would anywhere else," said epidemiologist Patricia Quinlisk of the Iowa Department of Public Health, "and I might even feel safer."
Quinlisk also said it appears the outbreak, which has sickened about 25 people, is beginning to abate, because fewer cases are being reported.
She said there is no evidence that the virulent strain of salmonella is being spread at any restaurant, although it may have originated in one in early or mid–August.
"We are very impressed by the concerns and actions of the restaurants in Burlington," she said. "They are probably the safest restaurants to eat in."
She also said that county health inspectors found no problems at the eight restaurants mentioned by the approximately 25 people who have come down with the illness.
She said restaurant owners and managers have been cooperative in assuring that food preparation and service is safe, and that county officials have stepped up inspections.
Local inspectors are doing "a massive amount" of work conducting inspections and educating restaurant managers, Quinlisk said.
But until Don Sheedy placed a sign on the marquee at one of his restaurants, Continental Catering Co., 1414 N. Roosevelt Ave., stating "It's not us," he said business was off perhaps as much as 20 percent.
"We have no indication that any restaurants are spreading this," Quinlisk said. However, she said health officials still are concerned about the potential for an expanded outbreak because the bacteria has found its way into households in the community.
Quinlisk said there have been no confirmed cases since Sunday, but that some people may be sick from the illness but have not gone to the doctor.
"There are indications that there may be some unconfirmed cases, but it seems to be lessening," Quinlisk said.
The state's investigation continues, however.
"Our main concern is to get this thing stopped," Quinlisk said. "Where it came from is a moot point."
She said the community must continue becoming aware of the problem, and that people must make certain they wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom to stop the outbreak.
Quinlisk said it never may be known how this particular strain arrived in the area.
On Thursday, she said that the bacteria has been spreading from person to person within households and families. That is not typical for a salmonella outbreak.
Quinlisk said a typical outbreak usually stems from temperature–sensitive poultry or eggs.
"Everybody gets sick at once and then it's over," she said.
Not so in Burlington, she said. Quinlisk also said the outbreak involves a more virulent form than would be expected. "It seems to be a bad bug," she said.
However, it has also been more responsive to antibiotics than other forms.
Both state and local health officials have balked at releasing the names of the restaurants mentioned by the patients. "We don't feel that any restaurants are threat to the community," Quinlisk said. "If we did, we would shut them down."
Des Moines County Attorney Pat Jackson said state law forbids local health agencies from disclosing the names of restaurants suspected of being the source of food poisonings, as well as the names of those who have contracted the illness.
Kevin Teal, a spokesman for the Iowa Department of Public Health, said the department doesn't release the names of restaurants involved in such cases unless officials need to warn patrons who may have eaten at a restaurant linked to a particular problem.
Sheedy said he understands the reluctance to name restaurants that were inspected following the initial reports. "I understand why they can't point a finger without absolute proof," he said. "I wouldn't want that."
Sheedy also owns Peaches Restaurant in the Wickliffe Inn motel. He said the establishments passed their last inspection two months ago.
William Hildreth, chairman of the Des Moines County Board of Health said he first learned of the outbreak when news appeared in The Hawk Eye. He said he had no comment on how he felt about that.
Hildreth said the board has not scheduled any special meetings to discuss the matter. Barb Baker, director of the county health department, has not returned repeated calls for comment.
Supervisors Chairman Tim Hoschek said he has heard complaints as to why the names of the restaurants have not been made public, but that he believes state and local health officials are on top of the matter.
"Our job is to protect the public health and well–being, and I believe we are doing that," Hoschek said. Sheedy agreed. "They force us to be better."
You may be referring to the 1984 incident in The Dalles, Ore., when followers of the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh spread salmonella on a salad bar, poisoning 750 people.
Any pet stores selling baby turtles in your area?
I would imagine there are several.
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