Church supper illness linked to bacteria

Testing of food samples, including roast beef and gravy, left over from a church supper in central P.E.I., has identified a bacteria suspected of making more than 200 people sick.

The roast beef dinner was prepared by volunteers of Princetown United Church on April 28. The total number of persons with symptoms of gastroenteritis reported has now reached 209.

"There is a bacteria growing from samples called a long nameClostridium perfringens which now is almost certainly the cause of the outbreak," says Dr. Lamont Sweet,P.E.I.'s deputy chief health officer.

This bacteria is sometimes present in beef and when the beef is not kept at the proper temperature after cooking, it can grow and produce a toxin in the human intestinal tract. This toxin then causes symptoms of gastroenteritis such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

"Probably the roast beef dinners were not stored at a temperature during the afternoon before they were served that would prevent the growth of the bacteria. The later they were kept before they were picked up, the more likely it was that the bacteria were growing," said Sweet.

People feel ill for one or two weeks, butit doesn't causemajor complications, said Sweet.

Those who became ill are not contagious to others. Most people who become ill following this type of food-borne illness recover in 24 hours, but continued symptoms of loose stools can occur for up to two weeks.

Antibiotics are not recommended as treatment of this bacteria. Health officials recommend managing symptoms by drinking fluids and resting. If symptoms persist they should seek medical attention.

There is no plan at this point to issue a fine, said Sweet.Hesaid the supper's organizershave been disturbed enough by the incident.

Meanwhile, environmental health officials have been fielding calls this week from people who have community suppers and takeouts planned for the Mothers' Day weekend, he said.Callers are looking for information and advice to ensure no one becomes ill.

Food handling workshops takeplace this week.