IPROC iproc Iproceedings 2369-6893 JMIR Publications Toronto, Canada v4i1e10573 10.2196/10573 Abstract Abstract A Food Poisoning Outbreak in Al-Khazir U2 Camp of Internally Displaced Persons - Iraq, Summer 2017 Khader Yousef Kadhim Kamal Fathallah K Al Jaafar Hamad A Saadoon S Awad Z Lami F Corresponding Author: Presenter: Dr. Kamal Kadhim kamalabdrazaq@yahoo.com Jan-Dec2018 29 03 2018 4 1 e10573 29 3 2018 29 3 2018 ©Presenter: Dr. Kamal Kadhim, K Fathallah, Al Jaafar, A Hamad, S Saadoon, Z Awad, F Lami. Originally published in Iproceedings (http://www.iproc.org), 29.03.2018. 2018

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 Background

Globally, about 600 million fall ill and 420,000 die every year after eating contaminated food. On June 12, 2017, Iraq CDC informed about a food poisoning outbreak among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Al-Khazir camp, Northern Iraq after consuming “Iftar” (Ramadan breakfast) provided by an NGO. “Iftar” was composed of rice, white bean broth, chicken, yogurt, date and bread.

 Objective

The objective was to describe the outbreak, identify the causative agent and recommend preventive measures.

 Methods

A team of FETP residents dispatched to investigate the outbreak. The case patient was defined as any person in the camp who ate “Iftar” and developed nausea/vomiting or diarrhea or abdominal pain. A retrospective cohort study was initiated.

 Results Conclusions

The large number of ordered meals from a single restaurant led to suboptimal food preparation and storage. We recommended rigorous implementation of food handing instructions and health education of the food handlers.