AN elderly woman has died and at least 220 people are ill after a salmonella outbreak linked to Melbourne Cup functions in Brisbane.
The Metro North Hospital and Health Service says a bacteria infection possibly contributed to the 77-year-old woman's death.
The outbreak of salmonella is linked to food served at 40 different Melbourne Cup functions, which was all prepared by the same Brisbane catering firm.
Metro North director Dr Susan Vlack has written to all companies and private function coordinators who used the caterer to advise them of the situation.
"It has been stressed that they need to report to us if they experience sickness, particularly if they are health workers or work in handling food," she said in a statement.
The salmonella bacteria can spread to humans through contaminated food, such as meat, poultry and eggs.
Symptoms include fever, headache, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
They usually develop between six and 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria but sometimes up to two weeks, and last between four and seven days.
Most people recover, but salmonella infection may cause severe illness in young children and older people.
Dr Vlack has warned as many as 700 people could have been exposed to the bacteria.
"Of the 220 people so far, seven have been hospitalised, though none are in a critical condition," she told reporters.
"Most people will have been sick already or be sick now, but they could also get sick up to two weeks later."
"The next few days is the time to be aware."
Dr Vlack said of the seven people hospitalised two are "reasonably sick".
The 30-strong team of investigators has identified a provisional "common thread" between the cases, but is still working to confirm what happened.
The outbreak is so far believed to have been limited to Melbourne Cup events.
"There were no cases at all evident until three days after the Cup and gradually cases have been presenting," Dr Vlack said.
"People tend to initially dismiss their symptoms and think they will get better in 24-48 hours.
"It is only when they don't get better they think there might be something serious going on and seek some help."
The company being investigated is still operating but the unit where the food was prepared has been shut down.
Dr Vlack said she couldn't reveal who the firm was, pending further investigation and possible legal action.
Brisbane firm Piccalilli Catering admits it is the catering firm at the centre of the outbreak.
Co-owner Helen Grace says it believes the outbreak was caused by eggs they used to make fresh mayonnaise.
The company has dropped the city wholesaler who supplied them and started its own internal investigation.
"We are deeply upset and distressed by this outcome," Ms Grace said in a statement posted online.
"We always pride ourselves on sourcing the freshest Australian ingredients for our kitchens.
"We feel very disappointed and let down that the normally reliable fresh food supply chain has failed us and our clients on this occasion."
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