Investigation of a foodborne outbreak at a mass gathering in Petaling District, Selangor, Malaysia

Mass gathering foodborne outbreak in Petaling District, Malaysia

Authors

  • Sudeash Rajakrishnan Petaling District Health Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Muhd Zulfadli Hafiz Ismail Petaling District Health Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Syed Hafeez Jamalulail Petaling District Health Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Norazmalia Alias Petaling District Health Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Hassan Ismail Petaling District Health Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Salina Md Taib Petaling District Health Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Lee Soo Cheng Petaling District Health Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Zazarida Zakiman Petaling District Health Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Ong Richai Petaling District Health Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Rubaan Raj Silverdurai Petaling District Health Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Mohamad Paid Yusof Petaling District Health Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5365/wpsar.2022.13.1.860

Abstract

Objective: On 6 October 2019, Petaling District Health Office received notification of a possible foodborne outbreak involving a mass gathering event. This report presents the processes of diagnosis verification, case identification, determination of associated risk factors and commencement of control measures in managing the outbreak.

Methods: Cases were defined as those who attended the mass gathering event on 6 October 2019, consumed the pre-packaged food and subsequently developed vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or other symptoms (e.g. fever, nausea and dizziness). Epidemiological, environmental and laboratory investigations were performed. Data were analysed using SPSS software (version 24.0).

Results: A total of 169 cases were identified. The attack rate was 7.2%, and cases ranged in age from 7 to 50 years, with a median of 20 years. A total of 156 (92.3%) cases had vomiting, 137 (81.1%) had abdominal pain and 83 (49.1%) had diarrhoea. Consuming nasi lemak at the mass gathering was found to be significantly associated with developing illness (odds ratio: 9.90, 95% confidence interval: 6.46–15.16). The samples from suspected food, food handlers and the environment were positive for Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus or coliforms.

Discussion: The outbreak at this mass gathering was probably caused by food contaminated with B. cereus and S. aureus. To prevent future outbreaks, we recommend mass gathering events use certified catering services that have adequate food safety training.

Downloads

Published

10-02-2022

How to Cite

1.
Rajakrishnan S, Ismail MZH, Jamalulail SH, Alias N, Ismail H, Md Taib S, Cheng LS, Zakiman Z, Richai O, Silverdurai RR, Yusof MP. Investigation of a foodborne outbreak at a mass gathering in Petaling District, Selangor, Malaysia: Mass gathering foodborne outbreak in Petaling District, Malaysia. Western Pac Surveill Response J [Internet]. 2022 Feb. 10 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];13(1). Available from: https://ojs.wpro.who.int/ojs/index.php/wpsar/article/view/860

Issue

Section

Outbreak Investigation Report

Most read articles by the same author(s)