New Hampshire health department officials have provided Simon & Luke with new information on a Salmonella Enteriditis outbreak at the Stone Environmental Camp in Madison, New Hampshire which sickened campers in April 2009.   The camp was temporarily closed as a result.

A mixer used to make pudding was the source of Salmonella Enteriditis that sickened children at the camp.  Officials said the mixer was  sanitized after each use, but a possible defect may have allowed bacteria to get to an area where it couldn’t be cleaned out.  The mixer used to prepare the pudding has been removed and is undergoing further testing. 

The food for the campers was prepared by Purity Spring Resort, the facility that hosts the camp.   The resort has been in operation since the early 1900s.  It includes a ski area, several dining halls, condominiums, and dorms. 

Health officials confirmed that 47 people became infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteriditis.  An additional 83 non-laboratory confirmed illnesses were associated with the outbreak for a total of 130 outbreak related illnesses.  Of those, 5 were hospitalized.  Illness onsets began on April 15 and continued through April 27.

Approximately 70 of the ill persons were students and staff members from Woodbury Middle School in Salem, N.H.

Simon & Luke is continuing to investigate this outbreak and is accepting cases for people who became ill after consuming food from the camp.  If you have questions or information about this outbreak, please call us toll free at 1-888-335-4901.