In October 2017, Virginia Health officials announced that 150 people living in 8 states had been sickened by Salmonella after attending the Chincoteague Chili Chowder Cook-Off on September 30th. More than 2,000 people attended the 18th Annual Chincoteague Chili Chowder Cook-Off and Car Show on Sept. 30.
Dr. David Matson, director of the state’s Eastern Shore Health District, said that half of those who became ill sought medical treatment. Matson said most people sickened by the bacteria had become ill with diarrhea, vomiting and fever. The 150 people who were sick resided in one of these states; Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and North Carolina. Officials linked the outbreak to clam chowder cooked by The Crab Shack.
Marler Clark represented 18 individuals who were part of this outbreak. All cases have settled at this time.