The number of school principals who have gastro-enteritis after an Education Queensland principals' conference jumped to 250 overnight, making it Queensland's second worst outbreak of salmonella recorded.
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The conference, held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre at South Bank, on February 26 and 27, attracted more than 1200 delegates from all Queensland state high schools and independents around the state.
Since then 34 principals have reported ill to the public health unit in Cairns; 30 to the Darling Downs; 14 to the Gold Coast; 3 to Mackay; 32 to Metro North; 26 to Metro South; 18 to Rockhampton; 34 to Sunshine Coast; 30 to Townsville; 18 to Wide Bay; and 11 to the West Moreton public health unit.
Queensland Health advisedt 26 principals had been taken to hospital with severe cases of gastro-enteritis.
The number of salmonella cases could increase because the disease can take up to three days before symptoms are noticed.
However, most people experience symptoms within eight to 72 hours after contaminated food is eaten.
Infections usually resolve in 3-7 days and mild cases often do not require professional treatment. More severe cases require antibiotics.
Salmonella infections can be life-threatening especially for young children, pregnant women and unborn children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
Queensland's worst salmonella outbreak was on Melbourne Cup Day in November 2013, when a catering company blamed bad eggs from a supplier when 350 people suffered salmonella poisoning.
In 2013 the eggs were used by a catering company, Piccalilli Catering, from a supplier, and used to make mayonnaise.
Eggs were also under the microscope in Queensland's third-worst salmonella outbreak at the Chin Chin Restaurant at Springwood in January 2015, where 141 contracted gastro-enteritis.
Queensland Health authorities said eggs were used as part of deep-fried batter during the Chin Chin restaurant investigation.
"We are certainly quite suspicious of a deep fried egg product and that is a risk product at the best of times when you're combining a cold food with a hot layer on top," Dr Kari from Metro South Public Health Unit said.
Queensland Health said they were still investigating the cause of the most recent salmonella outbreak.
Queensland's top 3 salmonella outbreaks
1. November 2013 – Brisbane Melbourne Cup; 350 people with gastro-enteritis;
2. March 2015 – Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre; 250 people with gastro-enteritis;
3. January 2015- Springwood's Chin Chin Restaurant; 141 people with gastro-enteritis.
