A case study of a massive staphylococcal food poisoning incident.

In the summer of 1998, approximately 8000 individuals gathered to celebrate a Catholic priest's ordination in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Within hours of food consumption, 4000 patients experienced acute gastroenteritis, and approximately 2000 (50%) overwhelmed Emergency Departments of 26 local hospitals. Of the triaged patients, 396 ( approximately 20%) required subsequent admission, and of these patients, 81 ( approximately 20%) were admitted to intensive care units.