Source Of Salmonella Outbreak Undetermined; Health Officials Identify Country Club As Potential Source
By: Katie Thompson
Updated: August 17, 2012
"The word confirm is very difficult to use in this context," Explains Taylor County Public Heath District Administrator Larry Johnson
Taylor County Public Health Officials say it will be almost impossible to find a common source behind 64 cases of Salmonella reported between May 1st and August 5th.
"We don't see any evidence where that was the case where a specific food or food source was at fault here," Johnson Said. "Primarily, because we didn't have any one food named by everyone as being what they ate. There were a variety of foods that were mentioned in the questionnaires, so we couldn't identify any specific food."
Based on those questionnaires the investigation has revealed 35 of those cases trace back to the Abilene Country Club.
While that doesn't confirm a specific source of the bacteria, officials have made the club aware.
"The community enhancement division for the city provided inspections when we first were made aware that there might be a possibility of salmonella. They provided the establishment with recommendations on how to correct some of the issues they saw," Johnson said.
The general manager and CEO of the Abilene Country Club Edward B. Grothuas III issued a statement that reads:
"While we understand that the Abilene Country Club has been identified as a potential source of the Salmonella type D cases recently reported in our community, we also understand that the source of these cases has not been specifically identified and that cases have been reported that have no association with the Abilene Country Club. Since the time that we were contacted by the City of Abilene's Community Enhancement Division, we have cooperated fully with their investigation into the matter. Through our commitment to the community, our membership and our employees, we have reinforced our efforts regarding staff awareness, education and management oversight. In addition, we have voluntarily submitted our food and beverage handlers to specific testing procedures. The Abilene Country Club is committed to timely and thoroughly responding to all developments that occur during this investigation."
As for the other 29 cases officials say there is not enough common evidence that could lead them to any other possible sources.
Taylor County Public Health Officials say it will be almost impossible to find a common source behind 64 cases of Salmonella reported between May 1st and August 5th.
"We don't see any evidence where that was the case where a specific food or food source was at fault here," Johnson Said. "Primarily, because we didn't have any one food named by everyone as being what they ate. There were a variety of foods that were mentioned in the questionnaires, so we couldn't identify any specific food."
Based on those questionnaires the investigation has revealed 35 of those cases trace back to the Abilene Country Club.
While that doesn't confirm a specific source of the bacteria, officials have made the club aware.
"The community enhancement division for the city provided inspections when we first were made aware that there might be a possibility of salmonella. They provided the establishment with recommendations on how to correct some of the issues they saw," Johnson said.
The general manager and CEO of the Abilene Country Club Edward B. Grothuas III issued a statement that reads:
"While we understand that the Abilene Country Club has been identified as a potential source of the Salmonella type D cases recently reported in our community, we also understand that the source of these cases has not been specifically identified and that cases have been reported that have no association with the Abilene Country Club. Since the time that we were contacted by the City of Abilene's Community Enhancement Division, we have cooperated fully with their investigation into the matter. Through our commitment to the community, our membership and our employees, we have reinforced our efforts regarding staff awareness, education and management oversight. In addition, we have voluntarily submitted our food and beverage handlers to specific testing procedures. The Abilene Country Club is committed to timely and thoroughly responding to all developments that occur during this investigation."
As for the other 29 cases officials say there is not enough common evidence that could lead them to any other possible sources.
