38 with Salmonella tied to Christmas Dinner

Abstract

Seattle King County Public Well being is investigating an outbreak of salmonellosis (brought on by Salmonella micro organism) related to Mary Pilgrim Inn, a supportive emergency housing web site in Seattle. Most of the folks grew to become sick after consuming meals served at two Christmas dinners on December 25, 2024, or consuming leftovers from these dinners on December 26, 2024. The meals served at these occasions was solely out there for Mary Pilgrim Inn shoppers and their friends in addition to workers; meals was not out there to most people. The meals served on the Christmas dinners was ready in a personal residence setting.

We’re nonetheless investigating this outbreak and can present updates on this ongoing investigation as we study extra.

Mary Pilgrim Inn workers and administration have been totally cooperative with this investigation.

Diseases

Since December 30, 2024, no less than 38 individuals who attended the Mary Pilgrim Inn Christmas dinners have grow to be sick with signs of salmonellosis, together with diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdomen pains. No less than 22 of those folks have examined constructive for Salmonella.

Public Well being actions

On December 31, 2024, we visited Mary Pilgrim Inn to talk with workers members in regards to the preparation of meals served on the Christmas dinners and supply solutions on how they will enhance meals security within the kitchen.

We returned to Mary Pilgrim Inn on January 3 and January 7, 2025, to offer further data on cleansing and disinfecting surfaces within the constructing. We additionally gave particular steerage on secure meals dealing with, together with handwashing and correct temperature management for meals.

Public Well being didn’t establish any meals issues of safety from different meals sources at Mary Pilgrim Inn that might have contributed to this outbreak. Public Well being will proceed to work with Mary Pilgrim Inn and supply assist throughout this outbreak and going ahead.

Laboratory testing

Of the 22 individuals who examined constructive for Salmonella, eight have the identical pressure based mostly on DNA fingerprinting (complete genome sequencing or WGS). We’re ready for the DNA fingerprinting outcomes for the remaining 14 folks. These outcomes recommend the folks on this outbreak obtained sick from the identical meals.