Salmonella outbreak probed

Gordon Berry, The Courier, 26 May 2007

An investigation has been launched into a salmonella outbreak that has affected a number of people who attended an event at the Fairmont St Andrews resort last weekend.

This emerged yesterday as public health experts at NHS Fife announced that they are working with Fife Council’s environmental services and Health Protection Scotland on the probe.

The outbreak has so far affected six people who attended the British Small Animal Veterinary Association/British Veterinary Nurses Association 22nd Annual Scottish Scientific Weekend meeting which took place at the Fairmont between May 11 and 13.

NHS Fife consultant in public health medicine, Dr Charles Saunders, said that so far, of the six people who have reported symptoms, four have been confirmed as having salmonella infection.

He added that none of those people has required hospital treatment.

“We are posting letters and questionnaires to around 300 people who attended the weekend scientific meeting seeking information that may help us identify possible sources of the infection,” said Dr Saunders.

“No source of infection has yet been identified and the outbreak appears to be over. We are working closely with the Fairmont Hotel and have its full co-operation and support,” he said.

Dr Saunders said that salmonella are common bacteria and there are hundreds of different types of the bug.

He added that the symptoms of salmonella include diarrhoea, headaches, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever.

“Most people who get salmonella infection do not need medical treatment and are back to normal within a week or so.

“Salmonella infection can be more serious in the old and frail and can require medical treatment if severe,” he added.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria usually found in poultry, eggs, unprocessed milk and in meat and water. It may also be carried by pets like turtles and birds.

The salmonella bacteria attacks the stomach and intestines, and in more serious cases, the bacteria may enter the lymph tracts, which carry water and protein to the blood, and the blood itself.

The bacteria attack all age groups and both sexes. Children, the elderly and people who are already ill are much more likely to get a serious infection.

A spokesperson for the Fairmont said yesterday that there had recently been several reports of gastrointestinal illness at the hotel, and that “every possible assistance” is being given to environmental health representatives in order to help identify the possible source.

“The source does appear isolated,” said the spokesperson.

“However, health officers are currently contacting guests who were at the hotel during a 48-hour period from May 11 and we would encourage any guests who stayed with us and have subsequently felt ill to contact us in order that we can forward their details.

“We will continue to take every measure necessary to determine the source of this illness and safeguard the well-being of our colleagues and guests.”