The Westchester County Health Department says that many people became ill with Campylobacter infections after attending a food festival at the Kenisco Dam in Valhalla, New York in early June. The Burger and Beer Bash was held outdoors on June 6, 2013. The outbreak is now over, according to public health officials.
The bacteria was identified from samples taken from people who became ill after attending the festival. Most people will recover from a Campylobacter infection on their own within five days, but some in high risks groups may need to be hospitalized. Campylobacter symptoms include diarrhea, which may be watery or bloody, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, muscle pain, and fever.
Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said in a statement, “anyone who has not already become sick following this event should no longer be at risk. Anyone who continues to have symptoms should contact his or her physicians and should not go to work or school until symptoms resolve.” The symptoms of a Campylobacter infection usually occur two to five days after exposure.
Thirty food vendors offered products during the event. Because that food has been discarded, it may be impossible to identify the exact source that caused the outbreak. The health department is interviewing people who attended to try to identify the contaminated food or foods. Most Campylobacter infections are associated with eating raw or undercooked poultry or from cross-contamination with poultry. The health department is going to send representatives to each food establishment participating in the festival to teach them about food safety, with special emphasis on safe off-site practices.
