Public Health Dispatch: Outbreak of Shigella sonnei Infections Associated with Eating a Nationally Distributed Dip -- California, Oregon, and Washington, January 2000
A multistate outbreak of Shigella sonnei infections with at least 30 culture-confirmed cases in California, Oregon, and Washington has been linked to eating a nationally distributed five-layer dip. Symptom onsets occurred during January 10-23, 2000; case-finding is ongoing. The implicated product is manufactured by Señor Felix's Mexican Foods* (Baldwin Park, California) and distributed under the brand names Señor Felix's 5-Layer Party Dip (sold in 16-ounce, 20-ounce, and 41-ounce containers), Delicioso 5-Layer Party Dip (33-ounce containers), and Trader Joe's 5-Layer Party Dip (20-ounce containers). The dip consists of layers of bean, salsa, guacamole, nacho cheese, and sour cream.
On January 21, the company voluntarily recalled the products. The recall applies to all products prepared without preservatives and that have an expiration date of February 9 or earlier, and all products prepared with preservatives and that have an expiration date of March 4 or earlier. Consumers who have these products should avoid eating them and should return them to their place of purchase.
S. sonnei infection can cause abdominal cramps, fever, and bloody diarrhea. Symptoms usually develop 1-3 days after eating contaminated food. Many cases resolve without medical attention, but persons with severe infections may benefit from antibiotic treatment. General information on Shigella infection is available at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/shigellosis_g.htm.
Reported by: Los Angeles County Health Dept, Los Angeles; San Diego County Health Dept, San Diego; California Dept of Health Svcs, Berkeley, California. Multnomah County Health Dept, Portland; Clackamas County Health Dept, Oregon City; Oregon Health Div, Portland, Oregon. Public Health-Seattle and King County, Seattle; Washington Dept of Health, Seattle, Washington. Foodborne and Diarrheal Diseases Br, Div of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, CDC.
* Use of trade names and commercial sources is for identification only and does not constitute endorsement by CDC or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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