September 22, 2009
Update on the Number of People Sick After Eating Clams
Cynthia B. Morrow, MD, MPH, Commissioner of Health updated Onondaga County residents today about the number of individuals reporting symptoms of gastrointestinal illness after potential exposure from Hinerwadel's Grove in Clay. As of today, a total of 236 individuals reported being ill with gastrointestinal symptoms after eating raw or steamed clams from Hinerwadel's. The majority of those reporting sick ate raw mahogany clams from Hinerwadels. At this time the Health Department is starting to receive culture results and can confirm that Campylobacter bacteria have been identified in some specimens. We are investigating the possibility that other bacteria may also be involved.
Campylobacter:
Campylobacter is one of the most common causes of diarrheal illness in the United States. The vast majority of cases are isolated, sporadic events and are usually not part of a recognized outbreak. There are usually between 50-60 cases reported every year in Onondaga County.
People usually become infected with Campylobacter by consuming contaminated or undercooked chicken, beef, or seafood. Campylobacter is present in 50% of raw chicken parts including breast, giblets and liver. About 2% beef samples, and 10-15% of the clams and oysters tested can be contaminated with Campylobacter. Unpasteurized milk and surface water can be contaminated from infected feces from cows or wild birds.
Most people who become ill with campylobacteriosis get diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever within two to five days after exposure to the organism. The diarrhea may be bloody and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. In persons with compromised immune systems, Campylobacter occasionally spreads to the bloodstream and causes a serious life-threatening infection. The illness typically lasts one week. Campylobacteriosis can readily be treated with antibiotics.
Morrow reminds anyone who ate at this facility and became ill between September 4 and September 16 to contact the Health Department at 435-6607. The public is advised to seek treatment from their health care provider if they are experiencing symptoms of gastrointestinal illness. To avoid this illness, prepare and cook seafood properly and do not eat raw seafood.
The Health Department is still investigating the cause of this contamination and will continue to update the public.
|
|
|
|
