State and local health officials are investigating the possible outbreak of a food-borne illness amongst those who ate at the Sacred Heart turkey dinner Monday.
At least 22 people have reported becoming ill with symptoms that include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping. Follow up investigation is ongoing but preliminary information indicates the illness is associated with attendance or consumption of food from the turkey dinner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ark City.
The Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment and City-Cowley County Health Dept. – with assistance from the Kansas Dept. of Agriculture ? are investigating the incident.
No specific foods have been identified as a source of the illness. Health officials recommend that no food prepared for the dinner be consumed.
To aid in the investigation and potentially identify the source of the outbreak, KDHE is conducting an online survey that can be accessed here.
KDHE is requesting that?everyone?who attended the dinner or consumed food that was prepared for the event complete this questionnaire, including persons who have?not?become ill.? Participation is voluntary, and all information will be kept confidential.
While most symptoms associated with foodborne illness are self-limiting and improve within 24-48 hours, severe disease can occur. If you are suffering from symptoms like those described above, state officials ask that you please contact your physician, and seek medical attention if necessary. If you know of anyone who attended or ate food from this event please tell them about the investigation.
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this survey please contact City-Cowley County Health Department at 620-221-1430 or KDHE epidemiology hotline at 877-427-7317.?
