Suspected food poisoning along the Northern Central Rail Trail

An adult bicycle rider on the Northern Central Railroad (NCR) trail suddenly developed moderately severe gastroenteritis on Friday, October 2. She was riding north from Ashland and felt well until shortly after passing through Parkton.

Because her companion remained well, they compared their recent food and water consumption, promptly leading to suspicion about an item that only she had consumed about an hour and a half before her first symptoms (stomach cramps).

They notified the Baltimore County Department of Health, with responsibility for this region, early on October 3. The epidemiologic evaluation would be greatly facilitated if we could learn about anyone else who became ill recently in this area. If you or your friends or family have recently had any similar problems during or after spending time along the NCR trail or in that vicinity, please contact the health department.

The following information will help to confirm (or exonerate) the suspected cause of this illness.

1. Your name, e-mail address, and telephone, in case further details may be needed later

2. Name or initials of the patient (the person who became ill):

3. Patient's age

4. Patient's sex

5. Date and approximate time when illness began

6. Location

7. Brief summary of the route over the previous couple of hours

8. Symptoms: Briefly describe how the illness began and progressed.

9. Foods: What did the patient eat during the two hours before symptoms began, and where did he or she obtain this food?

10. Beverages: What did the person who became ill drink during the two hours before symptoms began, including where you filled your water bottles?

11. Have you noticed any differences in the food and beverage sources for members of your group who did NOT develop any symptoms?

Please send this information to the
Baltimore County Department of Health
E-mail: health [at] baltimorecountymd.gov
Phone: 410-887-BCHD (2243)
Fax: 410-377-4751