Caldwell Parish Food-Poisoning Sickens 160: Jambalaya Believed to be at the Center of the Outbreak
Approximately 160 victims have been identified in an outbreak linked to jambalaya served at a softball fundraiser 3 in Columbia, situated in Caldwell Parish. According to authorities, including the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, the outbreak has been linked to salmonella and Clostridium perfringens. As of today, many of the samples of the chicken and sausage jambalaya have tested positive for salmonella. The jambalaya was served to guests at a softball team fundraiser.
It is believed that as many as 300 patrons ate the tainted jambalaya that has led to 158 confirmed cases. So far, at least 40 of the victims have been hospitalized. The victims range in age from 10 to 82, with an average age of 37. According to Dr. Parham Jaberia:
the 2nd pathogen may explain why so many people have been sickened and become ill so quickly
In addition to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control is investigating the outbreak, in part because of their more sophisticated testing capabilities.
For more information about the Caldwell Parish Food-Poisoning outbreak, call 1-888-335-4901.