SALMONELLA ANATUM: REPORT OF AN ALASKAN OUTBREAK

Abstract : In the central part of Alaska, gastroenteritis is a perennial problem, with the incidence rate reaching almost epidemic proportions in the early summer and early autumn. The causative agents appear to be both viral and bacterial. In 1964 during the autumn epidemic, Salmonella anatum invaded the University of Alaska campus along with a probable viral infection. Approximately 300 students developed symptoms of gastroenteritis during this outbreak but only a very small percentage became acutely ill. Thirty-five students and eight food handlers were found to be infected with Salmonella anatum. A therapeutic history of the outbreak showed (ampicillin) Polycillin to be very effective in eradicating the organisms from the patients.