Outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning amongst delegates at a medical conference

An outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium DT9 food poisoning due to contaminated chicken pieces affected at least 196 delegates at a medical conference. Twelve per cent of the cases reported suffering parasthaesiae. Nine reported serious complications of infection which included rectal prolapse and perianal abscess. Antibiotic therapy did not measurably reduce the duration or severity of diarrhoea. Over 1,600 doctor-days were lost to the NHS. Most doctors sought expert infection control advice before returning to work but the advice given differed between hospitals.