Two Multistate Outbreaks of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli Infections (STEC O157) Linked to Beef from a Single Slaughter Facility- United State, 2008

This is the first documented report of outbreaks linked to STEC O157 contamination of intact beef cuts ground by a retail chain.

During 2008, state and local health and agriculture departments, FSIS and CDC investigated two multistate outbreaks of STEC O157 with distinct pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns. Investigations into each outbreak included epidemiologic analysis of food exposures, microbiologic testing, and food distribution tracebacks. During May -August, 2008, a total of 99 persons (64 from the first outbreak and 35 from the second outbreak) from 18 states had confirmed illness with an STEC O157 isolate indistinguishable from the outbreak PFGE patterns. A case-control study conducted as part of the first investigation found a statistically significant association with purchase of ground beef from one large grocery chain. Traceback investigations for both outbreaks led to the same slaughter facility, resulting in multiple nationwide recalls of ground beef, intact beef, and beef products used to produce ground beef. This is the first report of two distinct STEC O157 outbreaks traced to a single slaughter facility.
Because an estimated 20 STEC illnesses occur for every one reported, the number of cases reported in the outbreaks likely represent a small proportion of the actual number of persons who became ill. To help reduce the risk for outbreaks of STEC O157, the public health community should continue to educate consumers regarding the proper measures to take when handling and consuming ground beef.
Aporte: Claudia Foerster
Fuente: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) May 14, 2010 / 59(18);557-560 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5918a3.htm?s_cid=mm5918a3_e