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Published On: Fri, Jan 4th, 2013

Clostridium perfringens linked to a Christmas Day food poisoning outbreak that sickened 30 diners at a Havering establishment: one person died

The approximately 30 people who were sickened after eating a Christmas Day lunch at a dining establishment in the  London Borough of Havering are believed to have contracted the relatively common cause of food poisoning, Clostridium perfringens, according to a Health Protection Agency (HPA) press release Jan. 3.

Although the HPA did not specifically identify the restaurant, the Daily Mail reports that the food poisoning victims dined at the Railway Hotel in Hornchurch, in Havering.

Clostridium perfringens gram stainImage/CDC

Clostridium perfringens gram stain
Image/CDC

Unfortunately, one woman died as a result of her illness after being admitted to the hospital. The victim has been identified as 46-year-old Della Callagher. She was one of seven people in the party of 16 who had eaten turkey and then became unwell.

Dr Deborah Turbitt, director of the HPA’s local Health Protection Unit, said, “Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time. We have been working with Environmental Health Officers at Havering Council to identify the cause of illness and any links to food eaten at the venue. The venue has been cooperating fully with our investigations.”

Mrs. Callagher, who was a wife and the mother of a 14-year-old daughter, died Dec. 27, according to the Daily Mail.

Although Clostridium perfringens is an organism most frequently associated with gas gangrene, it is also a major cause of food poisoning.

In fact, according to Dr. Turbitt, “Clostridium perfringens bacteria are the third most common cause of food poisoning in the UK and this mostly occurs in relation to red meat or poultry.”

C. perfingens intoxication is due to a toxin mediated infection where the ingested bacteria colonize in the intestinal tract and subsequently produce their toxin.

Almost all outbreaks are associated with inadequately heated or reheated meats, usually stews, meat pies, and gravies made from beef, turkey or chicken.

Outbreaks of Clostridium perfringens food poisoning are usually traced to catering firms, restaurants, cafeterias and schools with inadequate cooling and refrigeration facilities for large-scale service.

After a period of 8 to 22 hours, this intestinal disease is characterized by a sudden onset of colic followed by diarrhea and nausea. Vomiting and fever are not usually present.

It is generally a mild disease lasting about 24 hours or less. It is rarely fatal in otherwise healthy people.

However there is a more severe disease caused a different strain of C. perfringens (type C strains). This disease can cause necrotic enteritis which is frequently fatal. Also known as pig-bel syndrome, this strain can cause necrosis of the intestine and can go septic.

In order to prevent getting Clostridium perfringens food poisoning the following steps should be taken:

• Serve meat dishes hot or cool them by refrigerating till serving.
• Large cuts of meat must be thoroughly cooked.
• For more rapid cooling of large dishes like stews, divide the stew into several smaller, shallower containers and refrigerate.

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About the Author

- Writer, Co-Founder and Executive Editor of The Global Dispatch. Robert has been covering news in the areas of health, world news and politics for a variety of online news sources. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the website, Outbreak News Today and hosts the podcast, Outbreak News Interviews on iTunes, Stitcher and Spotify Robert is politically Independent and a born again Christian Follow @bactiman63

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  1. Clostridium perfringens toxin may trigger multiple sclerosis, according to study - The Global Dispatch says:

    […] toxin is produced by certain strains of Clostridium perfringens, a spore-forming bacterium that is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the United […]

  2. Clostridium perfringens linked to a Christmas Day food poisoning outbreak that … – The Global Dispatch | Health and diseases news says:

    […] The approximately 30 people who were sickened after eating a Christmas Day lunch at a dining establishment in the London Borough of Havering are believed to have contracted the relatively common cause of food poisoning, Clostridium perfringens, …IBTimes.co.ukClostridium perfringens linked to a Christmas Day food poisoning outbreak that …The Global DispatchThe approximately 30 people who were sickened after eating a Christmas Day lunch at a dining establishment in the London Borough of Havering are believed to have contracted the relatively common cause of food poisoning, Clostridium perfringens, …Woman dies from suspected case of food poisoning at a pub on Christmas DayMirror.co.ukHer furious husband said hospital sent her home despite poor conditionDaily MailDella Callagher Dies From Food Poisoning After Christmas Day Pub Lunch in …IBTimes.co.ukBBC News -Evening Standard -ITV Newsall 45 news articles » Go to Source […]

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