SALMONELLOSIS BELIEVED CAUSE AT BUSINESS PARTY

Salmonellosis, a bacteria commonly found in meat, poultry and milk products, has been identified as the bacterial disease that caused illnesses in a number of people following a banquet held in Cape Girardeau Dec. 20.

"We have reports from several of the cultures taken at hospitals," said Charlotte Craig, director of the Cape Girardeau County Health Department, which is investigating the incident. "The reports tested positive for salmonellosis," she said.

At least 11 were hospitalized at area hospitals of suspected food poisoning Saturday and Monday following the Friday banquet, which was attended by more than 350 employees from two companies.

A total of 36 people who attended the Miltenberger & Willing (M&W) and Saueressig Company party at the Show Me Center Friday night sought treatment Saturday morning with symptoms ranging from very acute abdominal distress to fever and nausea.

Twenty sought treatment at Southeast Missouri Hospital and 12 at St. Francis Hospital, both in Cape Girardeau. Four sought treatment at Perryville Memorial Hospital.

"Epidemics of salmonella infection are usually traced to foods," said Craig. "Salmonellosis is commonly found in raw egg and milk products. It is also associated with chicken and poultry products, but is occasionally found in other meat products."

The health department is still talking with people who attended the party and with food processors.

She said it would be a while before a complete report would be completed.