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Sarnia, ON – The County of Lambton Community Health Services Department has completed the local investigation into an outbreak of Cyclospora infection in people who attended the Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton Chef's Challenge on May 12, 2010.
The department completed interviews with over 290 people linked to the event. Of these, 210 reported being ill with symptoms consistent with Cyclospora infection. There are currently 43 laboratory-confirmed cases.
Food safety inspections were conducted with all caterers and food vendors involved with this event. All operators were extremely cooperative during this investigation.
Epidemiological analysis of data collected from attendees found one particular food dish to be significantly associated with risk for illness. All individuals who became ill reported eating the "cool pesto crunch" appetizer provided by Boston Not Chicago Catering Co. On two separate occasions, other individuals became ill with symptoms consistent with Cyclospora infection after eating leftovers of this particular appetizer.
Public health inspectors conducted a thorough food safety inspection of the Boston Not Chicago Catering Co., and reported no concerns with their food handling practices and procedures. Dr. Chris Greensmith, Medical Officer of Health for the County of Lambton, adds, "Based on our investigation and what we know about Cyclospora and how it is typically spread, we do not believe Boston Not Chicago Catering Co. did anything to cause this outbreak."
Throughout the investigation, several food specimens and food ingredients were sent for testing. All laboratory test results have come back either negative or indeterminate for Cyclospora. To date, no specific food ingredient in the "cool pesto crunch" has been pinpointed as the source of the Cyclospora infection. Past outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in the United States and Canada have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce.
"There is no evidence to suggest that there is an ongoing source of infection in the community associated with this outbreak," advises Dr. Greensmith. "To date, all cases have been linked to consuming the "cool pesto crunch" the night of the Chef's Challenge event or leftovers from it."
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues its traceback on specific food ingredients found in the "cool pesto crunch" dish.
Food product testing related to Cyclospora illness can be difficult to achieve due to the time lapse between when people consume infected foods and when symptoms of illness begin to show. Symptoms typically appear a week to a few weeks after eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
The public is encouraged to continue monitoring for symptoms of Cyclospora illness. If detected, please notify the Community Health Services Department at 519 383-8331, and seek medical attention for proper antibiotic treatment.
Investigation into the source of this outbreak was conducted in cooperation with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Ontario Agency for Health Protection & Promotion, Public Health Agency of Canada, and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
For more information about food safety practices please contact the Community Health Services Department at 519 383-8331 or visit www.lambtonhealth.on.ca. Additional information on Cyclospora and foodborne illness can be found on the CFIA website www.inspection.gc.ca.
For more information about Lambton County, visit www.lambtononline.ca.
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Contact:
Lori Lucas
(Interim) Supervisor,
Environmental Health & Prevention Services
County of Lambton
Community Health Services Department
Telephone: 519 383-8331 ext. 3574
email: lori.lucas@county-lambton.on.ca
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