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- Title
Investigation of a foodborne outbreak at a mass gathering in Petaling District, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Authors
Rajakrishnan, Sudeash; Ismail, Muhd Zulfadli Hafiz; Jamalulail, Syed Hafeez; Alias, Norazmalia; Ismail, Hassan; Md Taib, Salina; Lee Soo Cheng; Zakiman, Zazarida; Richai, Ong; Silverdurai, Rubaan Raj; Yusof, Mohamad Paid
- Abstract
Objective: On 6 October 2019, Petaling District Health Office received notification of a possible foodborne outbreak involving a mass gathering event. This report presents the processes of diagnosis verification, case identification, determination of associated risk factors and commencement of control measures in managing the outbreak. Methods: Cases were defined as those who attended the mass gathering event on 6 October 2019, consumed the prepackaged food and subsequently developed vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or other symptoms (e.g. fever, nausea and dizziness). Epidemiological, environmental and laboratory investigations were performed. Data were analysed using SPSS software (version 24.0). Results: A total of 169 cases were identified. The attack rate was 7.2%, and cases ranged in age from 7 to 50 years, with a median of 20 years. A total of 156 (92.3%) cases had vomiting, 137 (81.1%) had abdominal pain and 83 (49.1%) had diarrhoea. Consuming nasi lemak at the mass gathering was found to be significantly associated with developing illness (odds ratio: 9.90, 95% confidence interval: 6.46-15.16). The samples from suspected food, food handlers and the environment were positive for Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus or coliforms. Discussion: The outbreak at this mass gathering was probably caused by food contaminated with B. cereus and S. aureus. To prevent future outbreaks, we recommend mass gathering events use certified catering services that have adequate food safety training.
- Subjects
SELANGOR; MALAYSIA; ABDOMINAL pain; FOOD contamination; BACILLUS cereus; CATERING services; NAUSEA; FOOD poisoning
- Publication
Western Pacific Surveillance & Response Journal, 2022, Vol 13, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
2094-7321
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.5365/wpsar.2022.13.1.860