Salmonella outbreak reported at Mexico General Hospital after 135 residents fall ill

A sudden wave of abdominal pain, diarrhea, low-grade fever and vomiting affected 135 resident and specialty physicians at Mexico’s General Hospital, prompting authorities to investigate a food-related outbreak.

The hospital and Mexico’s Health Ministry said they identified the acute infectious gastroenteritis outbreak on Aug. 31. The affected people received medical care and remained stable. By Thursday, Sept. 3, 41 people were still hospitalized for monitoring and treatment.

Laboratory testing confirmed Salmonella spp. in the cases examined. Two patients also tested positive for a coinfection involving enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, or ETEC. Authorities linked the outbreak temporarily to food provided through the hospital’s outsourced institutional cafeteria, but continued epidemiological and health inspections to identify the specific source of contamination.

The General Hospital immediately suspended the cafeteria service for resident physicians and began searching for and monitoring people who may have been exposed. Officials said they would determine additional prevention and control measures as the investigation proceeds.

The National Autonomous University of Mexico’s Faculty of Medicine said it received a report of diarrheal illness among residents and postgraduate specialty students at the hospital. Its postgraduate studies division went to the hospital to investigate, follow up on the cases and support affected students. The faculty did not disclose how many students were ill, but said it would coordinate with hospital authorities and monitor their condition and needs.