An island-wide epidemic of salmonellosis in Trinidad traced to contaminated powdered milk
Weissman, J.B.; Deen, A.D.; Williams, M.; Swanston, N.; Ali, S.
West Indian Medical Journal 26(3): 135-143
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-3144 PMID: 578598 Document Number: 123157
Between March 1 and Nov. 30 1973, an epidemic of Salmonella derby gastroenteritis occurred in Trinidad. Approx. 3000 people were affected. Cases occurred throughout the island roughly in proportion to the population, but most were in infants and small children. Consumption of dried milk was significantly associated with illness. 7 different brands of imported dried milk, packaged at a single processing plant near Port-of-Spain were significantly associated with salmonellosis. Investigations at the processing plant disclosed several packaging procedures that could have permitted contamination during canning, but the specific mode of contamination could not be demonstrated.