HEP 444 Epidemiology

Dr. Adams

9/8/2022

HEP 444 Case Report Dangerous Desserts

The story’s setting in terms of the time people were affected and the place of the disease outbreak.

Salmonella enterica-related food illness appeared to be on the rise in September 1944. There were cramps, a fever, and bloody diarrhea from this bug. Most of these cases originated from southern Minnesota. The majority of the patients were young adults who extended beyond Minnesota.

Explanations of steps taken during the case-control study

When the epidemiologists identified the affected individuals and the location of the illness, they began by contrasting the diets of the sick and healthy people. The individuals were questioned about their diets over the previous five days using a foodborne questionnaire. A nearby ice cream parlor was highlighted by the first few people. Following that, the business held a news conference and issued an ice cream recall. The epidemiologist then conducted interviews with each ice cream purchaser and collected unopened jars for further investigation. The ice cream shops were closed since the ice cream lot was linked to the problem. The outbreak subsided once the stores were shut.

Explanation of the conclusion made by epidemiologists on what might have caused the outbreak.

They had to figure out how the bacterium got into the ice cream after identifying the ice cream as the illness’s source. Since cream, milk, and sugar had all been pasteurized, they were all ruled out. The epidemiologist learned from the corporation that the ice cream manufacturer had come up with a new contract and gave it the duty of collecting liquid eggs. It was determined that the bacteria originated from a poultry farm.

Measures that the food company took to avoid similar incidents in the future

The food manufacturer issued a full recall and temporarily suspended operations. After that, the numbers decreased. The company in charge of ice cream production carried out a thorough cleaning to ensure that every trace of bacteria was eliminated.

Justification of actions taken by epidemiologists during the outbreak with the philosophical framework application.

Due to the high number of patients being admitted to hospitals from this outbreak, the epidemiologist recognized it as a threat. Since the outbreak was beginning to threaten people’s daily lives, they decided they had to take action. This time, the goal of public health was to raise the standard of living for all people. The epidemiologist made changes and the outbreak was reduced. Also determined to track down the issue, the epidemiologist went extra in their search.