Foodborne streptococcal pharyngitis after a party

Abstract

Following a private party in Río Piedras, PR, 23 (56 percent) of those who attended developed an illness characterized by pharyngitis, myalgia, fatigue, headache, and fever. Consumption of carrucho (conch) salad was significantly associated with illness (P = 0.013, Fisher's exact test). Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (M nontypable T12, serum opacity factor positive) were isolated both from throat cultures in 11 of 47 persons who attended the party and from the implicated food. The original source of contamination of the conch salad was not identified. Because complications may still occur from such infections and only a small percentage of persons with sore throats seek medical attention and ultimately receive treatment for their illnesses, it is important to recognize these outbreaks.