85An Outbreak Of Foodborne Illness, Boamang-Kyerekrom D/A Primary School, Afigya Kwabre North District, Ghana

Abstract

Background On 6th June 2019, Afigya Kwabre North District Health Administration reported suspected foodborne illness involving primary school pupils at Boamang Kyerekrom D/A Primary School. Investigation was done to identify risk factors and implement control and preventive measures. Methods We conducted active case search and a retrospective cohort study. A case was a person from Boamang presenting with fever, diarrhea, or/and vomiting from 29th May to 7th June, 2019. Data was collected using questionnaires and review of health records. Environmental assessment was done. Stool sample of the last reported case and saltpeter used to prepare okro by food vendor was sent to the laboratory for investigation. All other diarrheal cases had being given antibiotics upon our arrival. Risk ratio was estimated to determine food with highest risk of causing illness. Results Of 312 people interviewed, 96 pupils were affected (AR = 30.8%). Common symptoms were fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains and bloody diarrhea. There was no fatality. All cases were found to have eaten from a kenkey seller on the school premises. Risk ratio was highest (6.7) among those who took okro with the kenkey. Salmonella typhi was isolated in the stool of the last reported case. Cases were distributed across four (4) neighboring communities in Boamang. Conclusions Salmonella typhi was identified in the stool and the saltpeter. We recommend training of health staff on Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR). Key messages Foodborne illness outbreak

Food Poisoning in a Senior High School in Kumasi an Unmatched Case Control Study

“…The attack rate of 12.1% in this outbreak was lower than what was reported in Boamang Kyerekrom D/A primary School in the Afigya Kwabre North District of Ghana where an attack rate of 30.8 was reported (Laryea & Gyimah, 2021). Like that study, there were no mortalities reported.…”

“…In this study, cases showed multiple symptoms. In the study at Afigya Kwabre North District in Ghana, the commonest symptoms were abdominal pain, fever, nausea and bloody diarrhoea (Laryea & Gyimah, 2021). In this outbreak however, no bloody diarrhoea nor fever was reported.…”