CDC Salmonella Wandsworth Outbreak Investigation, June – July 2007

Public health officials in OutbreakNet (the network of epidemiologists and other public health officials, facilitated by CDC, who investigate outbreaks of foodborne, waterborne, and other enteric illnesses nationwide) are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Wandsworth infections. Salmonella Wandsworth is a rare strain of Salmonella.

Interviews comparing foods eaten by ill and well persons show that consumption of Robert’s American Gourmet brand Veggie Booty was statistically associated with illness and therefore the most likely source of the outbreak.

As of July 3, 57 persons infected with Salmonella Wandsworth have been reported to CDC from 18 states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois [newly added], Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin. Among the patients for whom clinical information is available, 76% developed bloody diarrhea and 10% were hospitalized. No deaths have been attributed to this infection. Onset dates, which are known for 49 patients, ranged from March 4, 2007 to June 15, 2007. The number of cases has gradually increased, with only 8 cases reported from 6 states before May 1, 2007. Health department and CDC investigators worked for weeks conducting interviews with parents of ill children to develop theories about possible sources of infection.

There are Ill Children in the following States:
(Retained Clients (15) Total CDC count 57)

California (3) – 7
Colorado 5
Connecticut 2
Georgia (1) 1
Illinois (1) – 1
Indiana (1) -1
Massachusetts (1) – 3
Minnesota 2
New Hampshire 2
New Jersey (1) – 2
New York (2) – 15
Oregon 1
Pennsylvania (1) – 3
Tennessee 1
Texas 2
Vermont 3
Washington (4) – 4
Wisconsin 2

We are also investigating cases in Florida and North Carolina