How does the Virginia Department of Health investigate a suspected foodborne disease outbreak?
There are several steps involved during a foodborne disease outbreak investigation. Once a suspected outbreak is reported to the local health district, the health department attempts to collect initial information to better describe the who/what/when/where details of the occurrence. Often this involves the interviewing of the sick individuals involved with the suspected outbreak. At the same time, laboratory specimens may be collected by the health department from people that are sick. Testing of human specimens (usually stool) for suspected foodborne disease outbreaks is conducted at the state laboratory, the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services. Details collected during interviews of the ill help outbreak investigators determine which pathogens to test for at the state laboratory. In addition, an inspection of the retail food establishment may occur in order to determine if any factors can be identified that may have led to this outbreak happening. If a restaurant or caterer
