We Were There - E.coli O157

Introduction and Historical Context00:00:55

The session opens with an introduction to the CDC's investigation into the 1993 E. coli O157 outbreak, tracing its roots back to the initial identification of the pathogen in 1982 and the subsequent shift in public health focus.

The Jack in the Box Outbreak Investigation00:05:49

Detailed overview of the 1993 outbreak, detailing the emergency response in Seattle, the link between the pathogen and fast-food hamburgers, and the subsequent multi-state investigation across Washington, Las Vegas, and San Diego.

The Birth of PulseNet00:42:48

Examination of how the limitations in identifying outbreak patterns led to the creation of PulseNet, a revolutionary laboratory network using pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to track foodborne pathogens in real-time.

Policy Shifts and Long-term Impacts00:54:33

Discussion on how the tragedy fueled significant regulatory changes, including the USDA Pathogen Reduction Rule and the eventual passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act, fundamentally changing meat safety standards.

Modern Advancements and Q&A01:02:42

Exploration of modern whole genome sequencing (WGS) technologies, their success in outbreak detection, and a closing panel discussion reflecting on the collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies.