Clostridium Perfringens Outbreak at a Workplace Party, Cheat Sheet of Epidemiology

INTRODUCTION

At 6:16am on December 17, the Health Officer received a text message from an employee,

advising that he had been up much of the night with abdominal cramps and diarrhea. A second

employee, who participated in the same text exchange, advised at 6:18am that he, too, had

been up most of the night with identical symptoms. At approximately 7:00am, a third employee

also advised that she was up during the night with the same symptoms. All three employees

confirmed that they would not report to work. While commuting to work at 7:05am, the Health

Officer called the certified public health laboratory with which the Rockaway Township Division

approximately 11:45am through 2:00pm, and food was prepared for display/service before

11:45am. Several foods were purchased at a local Costco store, other foods were catered by

Joey’s Jubilations in Boonton Township, and two food items were home-prepared by

employees. In addition, bagels and spreads were purchased from Bagelicious, Rockaway

Borough, for service between 8:30am and 11:00am.

The party was attended by about 50 people, 47 of whom were interviewed. Of those who ate,

31 (66%) became ill and were defined as cases. Food items served at the buffet lunch included

meatballs, chicken wings, chicken Francese, sausage and peppers, shrimp, penne pasta, fresh

mozzarella and tomatoes, spinach dip, salad, cheese/pepperoni platter, fresh fruit and other

items.

administrative staff. Forty-seven (47) individuals were interviewed by December 19, 2015.

C. Survey

Each party attendee was interviewed either in person or via telephone, and the

following information was ascertained:

• Age and gender

• Symptoms of illness

• Date and time of onset

• Duration of illness

• Food items consumed