November 05, 2008
Update on the Cause of Food Poisoning At a Recent Fundraiser
Cynthia B. Morrow, MD, MPH Commissioner of Health, updated Onondaga County residents today about the cause of the gastrointestinal illness from contaminated foods consumed at the Francis House fundraiser dinner that was held at the NYS Fairground on October 15. Approximately 2,000 people attended this event. Over 195 people self-reported to have gastrointestinal symptoms. Upon receiving the laboratory test results today, Dr. Morrow confirmed, "As anticipated, toxin-producing bacteria Clostridium perfringens and Bacillus cereus were identified". These two bacteria are not contagious from person to person.
The caterer has fully cooperated with the Health Department and has implemented changes to prevent this type of incident from reoccurring.
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