Abstract:
Aims To investigate simultaneous outbreaks of Shigella sonnei gastroenteritis
occurring in February 2001 at a health camp for socially deprived children and an
elderly care facility.
Methods Those with symptoms were interviewed using standardised questionnaire.
Cases were defined as having least three loose stools over a 24 hour period and stool
samples requested. A case-control study investigating routes of transmission was
performed at the health camp. Environmental investigations of food safety and
hygiene were conducted at each facility.