One Meal in Maryland Caused 46 Hospitalizations

Hospital declared a 'mini disaster alert' due to number of people with food poisoning
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 22, 2024 4:31 PM CDT
46 Hospitalized With Food Poisoning in Maryland
Authorities say 46 people were taken to several hospitals in different counties.   (Getty Images/RobHainer)

Investigators are trying to determine what people in Jessup, Maryland ate that caused a hospital to go into "mini- disaster alert." Officials say at least 46 people were hospitalized with food poisoning after emergency services received reports of multiple sick people Monday afternoon, WJLA reports. Dozens of people were evaluated by firefighters and paramedics at NAFCO Wholesale Seafood Distributors before they were taken to local hospitals, reports Fox 5 DC. None of them were in critical conditions. The Howard County General Hospital said it went into "mini disaster alert" because of the number of patients.

Authorities say it appears to be an isolated incident involving people who ate the same meal, USA Today reports. "Preliminary indications are that the illness is related to outside food prepared by an employee and shared with others at the facility," the Howard County Health Department said Tuesday, per the Baltimore Sun. The department said it is "not aware of any risk of further illnesses connected to this incident. A staff member at the seafood company told the Sun that the people who became ill are employees. (More food poisoning stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X