The Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak linked to a Holiday Inn in North Carolina ultimately sickened at least 100 people this May, the North Carolina Division of Public Heath reported this week. The bacteria was linked to the All American Grill at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux in Fayetteville, NC, according to the final outbreak report, issued by NCDPH July 19. Health officials in Cumberland County first alerted the state health department of a Salmonella outbreak that had sickened an estimated 15 people on May 15. All of the ill people had reported eating at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux in the days preceding illness. The case count would eventually expand to 88 — the number reported May 28. Now, in its final outbreak report, NCDPH says 100 Salmonella illnesses were ultimately linked to the outbreak. That final count included 25 cases confirmed by laboratory testing and an additional 75 suspected cases. Of those sickened, 29 were staff members at the hotel. Victims ranged in age from 17 to 81 years old. The first illnesses began May 1, 2013 and the last reported illness onset was May 17, 2013. The strain of Salmonella Typhumurium responsible for the outbreak was one that’s unique to North Carolina, according to the report. While the specific vehicle of the bacteria was not identified, health officials found a series of sanitation violations that might have led to contamination. “Interviews with managerial staff and observation of food preparation identified multiple opportunities for Salmonella contamination, including improper water temperatures and the absence of hand washing supplies in some areas,” the final report notes. “Other potential food safety issues that were identified included bare hand contact with ready to eat foods, temperature violations, and a dishwasher in one kitchen that was not operating effectively as described by staff members.” Health officials speculate that various foods and surfaces in the restaurant kitchen were cross-contaminated, which would explain why they were unable to identify the specific source of the bacteria.
