Serial outbreaks of food-borne disease in Blumenau, Brazil, caused by Salmonella enteritidis.

This work describes the epidemic profile of outbreaks of food infection caused by Salmonella enteritidis, serogroup D, in the city of Blumenau, Federal State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, during the period between February, 1994, and June, 1997. Ninety-six outbreaks were observed, and 79 (82%) were investigated, involving 7,802 people with signs and symptoms consistent with the infection. Most frequent symptoms were diarrhea (92%), abdominal pain (73%), fever (70%), vomiting (49%) and nausea (45%). Mayonnaise was the food most frequently associated with the outbreaks, being the responsible vehicle in almost two thirds of the cases investigated. The outbreaks most frequently occurred at home (60%), but the largest number of infections resulted from industrial kitchens (78%). The age group between 20 and 30 years was most affected. No relationships between the number of outbreaks and outside temperature or humidity were found. The attack rate showed no significant difference between men and women. Better attention to storage of food products at home and in industrial kitchens is needed to control this common gastrointestinal illness.