Mystery malady trails charity luncheon event in South Tampa
Nearly half of the 100 women who attend the fundraiser fall ill after having the same meal.
By BILL VARIAN
Published October 27, 2004
TAMPA - A luncheon fashion seminar last week has caused a bit of a rumble in some South Tampa households.
Nearly 100 women from Tampa's high society showed for the event at Neiman Marcus held by the LAMPlighters charity fundraising group Thursday. They dined on grilled chicken over greens, served with a light vinaigrette, cheese, fruit and nuts.
The next evening, many of them reported a similar malady, best described in polite company as an extremely upset tummy.
"The LAMPlighters' light temporarily dimmed," said member Joan Schabacker, a retired teacher. "There's been more ginger ale and toast eaten in South Tampa this last weekend than you can even imagine."
One woman spent two days at Memorial Hospital after she became faint, fell and bumped her head. "I feel like hell," said South Tampa homemaker Elaine Newman, who was discharged Saturday. "I will recover, I can tell you. Of course, I'm not going to have chicken any time soon."
The Hillsborough County Health Department began investigating the matter after members of the group reported Monday that they had experienced illness, but the authorities have not come to any conclusions. The department's preliminary investigation indicated that as many as 40 people were affected.
Food for the fashion seminar, held on the second floor of Neiman Marcus on Thursday, was provided by Joan's Catering, which has been supplying food for similar events for years. A Health Department epidemiologist visited the business Tuesday with someone from the state Division of Hotels and Restaurants. They found no major problems, and have had no complaints about the business in the past.
"We found no problems, nothing that would cause a food-borne illness by any means," said Warren McDougle, environmental epidemiologist. "I can tell you this: Joan's Catering is very interested in what's happening, so they can make sure nothing happens again."
Everyone was served the same meal and most of them did not get sick. McDougle said he will talk to everyone who attended.
Caterer Joan Mickiewicz said she is eager to find out what happened. "We're cooperating with them fully," she said. "This is something that has never happened to us in 20 years and we don't want it to happen again."
