In 2025, an outbreak of Salmonella occurred in the coastal r…
In 2025, an outbreak of Salmonella occurred in the coastal region of North Carolina. Over several weeks, 20 cases were reported, with most cases residing in Nags Head, NC. After descriptive epidemiology and hypothesis-generating interviews, investigators suspected one of several food establishments in the area, but needed to identify which specific restaurant was linked to the outbreak. The investigation revealed that a large family reunion had taken place at a local community center, where over 100 guests had attended and were served food catered by a single restaurant. Investigators obtained a complete guest list and interviewed both sick and well attendees about what they had eaten at the event. Which analytic study design is most appropriate for determining which food item(s) were associated with illness in this outbreak?