Reference no: EM133308529

This activity is based on a Botulism outbreak that occurred in Argentina.

Part One: Background and description of the outbreak: BACKGROUND: Foodborne botulism is a serious illness resulting from ingestion of a preformed toxin produced by a bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, in contaminated food. Death can occur in up to 60% of untreated cases; supportive care and prompt administration of the antitoxin have reduced mortality in the United States to less than 10%. Botulism outbreaks have been linked to improperly preserved foods such as vegetables, fruits, and meats, including fermented fish products, sausages, smoked meats, and shellfish. Description of the Outbreak: On January 13, 1998, an infectious diseases physician at a Buenos Aires hospital telephoned the Epidemiology Directorate of the Argentine Ministry of Health (MS) to report two possible cases of botulism. The two patients, men, presented ptosis, double vision, dysphagia and respiratory problems. One patient's symptom onset date was January 5 and the other was January 6. The doctor took serum and stool samples to determine the presence of botulinum toxin, but the results were not yet available. These patients are truck drivers who follow a route during their work. On the route they make stops to provide themselves with food. They are not sure which of the food stops might have provided the contaminated food. Question: Based on the knowledge acquired during this module: What are the main considerations that you would take into account as a professional in field epidemiology?

Second part: Characterize the outbreak in terms of time, space, and individual. Source and mode of transmission of the agent. Identify individuals at risk. Answer: Would you initiate control measures now? What criteria would you consider when implementing control measures like this at the beginning of an investigation?