The Proof, It Seems, Was In Pudding
Another outbreak solved. As we reported previously, numerous students from the Woodbury Middle School (in Salem, N.H.) and the Florence Rideout Elementary School (in Wilton, N.H.) fell ill after an overnight stay at the Stone Environmental School (in Madison, N.H.). Although approximately 120 children and adults reported some form of illness, only fifteen cases of Salmonella were confirmed. In turn, these illnesses led to the temporary closure of the camp while Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) investigators worked closely with Stone Environmental to locate the source of the problem.
During the ensuing investigation, health officials confirmed that pudding served to the campers was contaminated with Salmonella. Interestingly, however, they also confirmed that the mixer used to prepare the pudding was sanitized by the camp after each use. According to Beth Daley, a DHHS epidemiologist, "the mixer was actually being sanitized in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications."
Nevertheless, it appears that, in addition to using the mixer to prepare pudding, the mixer was also used to prepare scrambled eggs (which can sometimes contain Salmonella). Thus, investigators suspect that a possible defect in the mixer design may have allowed bacteria to get into an area where it couldn't be cleaned out. The mixer has been removed and is undergoing further testing.
In any event, Stone Environmental was pleased that the source of the illness had been found. According to David Freese, executive director of the camp, "our first priority, of course, was the safety of our campers.” And, now that the likely source has been identified, both he and staff are looking forward to reopening soon.
Congratulations to both DHHS and Stone Environmental for their cooperative efforts to find and eliminate the source of these illnesses.
