Salmonella Outbreak at Melbourne Cup Infects 220 and Kills a 77-year-old Woman

A salmonella outbreak at the Melbourne Cup function in Brisbane infected about 220 people and reportedly claimed the life of a 77-year-old woman.

This outbreak took place Nov. 5 and a Brisbane catering company is being held responsible for it. Further investigation is being carried out by the Queensland Health authorities, reports ABC news.

The Brisbane catering company catered around 40 Melbourne Cup functions and it is reported that people became ill after attending the events. Around 700 people were exposed to the bacteria. The authorities are suspecting a batch of potato salad for the spread of the infection.

Dr. Susan Vlack, a Metro North Public Health Unit Director advised people experiencing symptoms such as fever, nausea, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea should consult a doctor. These are the commonly experienced symptoms within 72 hours of being exposed to the bacteria, reports North Queensland Register.

"If you're sick, check with the doctor for fever and diarrhoea," Dr. Vlack said, according to ABC news report.

Dr. Vlack also stated that the deceased old woman did not die because of the salmonella bacteria and the case was being explored further. The first case of illness was reported to the Metro North Public Health Unit on Nov. 8.

"We had one report from one venue and the next day, we had three or four, I think," said Dr. Vlack.

Out of the seven people who were hospitalized only two were found to be moderately ill, Dr. Vlack explained.

"Salmonella occurs particularly in meats such as chicken, pork, beef and in egg products," Dr.Vlack stated. Those products are often part of a catered meal, so sometimes in small amounts in different dishes."

Hospitals and medics have been informed about the outbreak of the disease by the Metro North Public Health Unit.

Another salmonella infection outbreak, which took place in the U.S. was linked to raw chicken, according to a BBC report.