An Outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection associated with a school camp

Authors

  • Bradley J McCall Brisbane Southside Public Health Unit, Queensland Health
  • Vicki G Slinko Brisbane Southside Public Health Unit, Queensland Health
  • Helen V Smith Public Health Microbiology, Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Health
  • Karen Heel Brisbane Southside Public Health Unit, Queensland Health
  • Terry H Culleton Brisbane Southside Public Health Unit, Queensland Health
  • Virgil R Kelk Darling Downs Public Health Unit, Queensland Health
  • Russell J Stafford OzFoodNet, Communicable Disease Branch, Queensland Health

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33321/cdi.2010.34.8

Keywords:

Escherichia coli, foodborne illness, outbreak, school camp

Abstract

In November 2008, a case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection was reported to the Brisbane Southside Public Health Unit. The case had participated in a school camp. Subsequent investigations confirmed 5 other asymptomatic cases among camp attendees or visitors. Examination of the camp water supply identified that most water sources had high levels of E. coli and did not meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines with STEC isolated from 2 water sources. This outbreak highlights the emerging issue of asymptomatic carriage of STEC and the importance of thorough maintenance and attention to drinking water supplies in the rural and school camp setting. Commun Dis Intell 2010;34(1):53–55.

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Published

31/03/10

How to Cite

McCall, Bradley J, Vicki G Slinko, Helen V Smith, Karen Heel, Terry H Culleton, Virgil R Kelk, and Russell J Stafford. 2010. “An Outbreak of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia Coli Infection Associated With a School Camp”. Communicable Diseases Intelligence 34 (March):54-56. https://doi.org/10.33321/cdi.2010.34.8.

Issue

Vol. 34 (2010)

Section

Short report

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