Clue 2
Kids opening birthday presents.
After talking to the family who hosted the birthday party, you learn that about 30 kids and 16 adults attended the party on Sunday, August 1, at the Community Swim Club.
After the guests arrived, most of the kids played games and swam in the activity pool. After all of the games and swimming, the guests ate cake and ice cream.
The party hosts state that the ice cream was not made with raw eggs. In fact, 2 children who are sick left the party before the food was served. So, you decide to interview all who attended the party.
2. Which question do you think is the most important to ask during the interviews?
Answer 1: What foods did you eat at the party?
[Correct]
You're correct. It is important to get a complete food history from patients, especially when foodborne illness is suspected. By doing so, you will have a better chance of identifying items that the patients have in common.
Also, keep an open mind about all possible outbreak sources as there might be other things that are to blame for the outbreak.
Keep up the good work!
Answer 2: Did you go swimming at the birthday party?
[Correct]
Good thinking! There are many germs that can be spread by water. So, it's a good idea to find out if the people who are sick also swam in the pool.
Keep up the good work!
Answer 3: Do you have a weakened immune system?
[Correct]
You are right to ask each patient about their immune system. Many infections can be serious in a person with a weakened immune system. Examples of people with weakened immune systems include those with AIDS as well as cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain drugs.
However, a weakened immune system isn't the cause of the outbreak. It's important to figure out what foods, drinks, and activities the patients have in common.
Keep working to solve this outbreak!