An outbreak investigation of food poisoning symptoms in Bangkok Prison Between 29 and 30 December 2024

Abstract

Background: On December 28th, 2024 at 6:00 PM, Situation Awareness Team, Institute for Urban Disease Control and Prevention was notified by Medical Correctional that 102 Prison had symptoms of diarrhea, stomachache, nausea, and vomiting. The purpose was to confirm the diagnosis and outbreak, study the size and characteristics of the outbreak, search for the source of the disease that caused the outbreak, and implement disease prevention and control measures. The study method used a food poisoning investigation form. The data were descriptively and analytically studied using a retrospective cohort study design. In addition, the environment in the food preparation and cooking area was surveyed, and samples from patients, drinking water, utility water, and ice were collected from the prison. The results showed that 184 patients out of 6,161 patients had an attack rate of 2.99 percent. 100 percent of patients had diarrhea, 82 percent had stomachache, and 69 percent had vomiting. It was found that eating steamed fish curry, baked shrimp with glass noodles, boiled cockles, Grilled squid and coconut milk noodles were significantly associated with the occurrence of food poisoning symptoms. Laboratory results confirmed the pathogens Plesiomonas shigelloides and Salmonella spp. from rectal swab samples of the patients. Conclusion and Discussion: The outbreak of food poisoning caused by Plesiomonas shigelloides and Salmonella spp. has risk factors such as food ordered from several food handlers outside the prison through the shelter shop, which may be caused by undercooked food, improper food storage, and incorrect temperature during transportation. Therefore, safe food storage and transportation measures should be in place. Food must be kept at an appropriate storage temperature during transportation to another location, and transportation vehicles should be properly designed and constructed according to standards.