Letter of Invitation

Dear Dr. Tauxe,
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), in collaboration with the Federal Bureau
of Prisons (BOP), requests the assistance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) in the investigation of an outbreak of suspected botulism among federal prisoners
incarcerated in Yazoo, Mississippi. This suspected outbreak involves 14 suspected cases in
Mississippi, of which 13 are hospitalized in Jackson, Mississippi. Although the suspected
vehicle is hooch, also known as pruno or prison wine, further assistance is needed to determine
the source and scope of the outbreak, identify risk factors for illness, implement control
measures, and provide educational messages to prevent future outbreaks. We hope that the
investigation can shed light on factors contributing to this situation that will inform future
prevention efforts.
The MSDH will lead in this investigation and retain ownership of all data collected. The BOP
will provide support to MDH and CDC for liaising with affected penitentiaries. MDH will
facilitate communications with associated hospitals involved in this outbreak.
Please contact me with any questions.
We look forward to working with the CDC on this challenging issue.
Best Wishes,

Thomas Dobbs MD, MPH
State Epidemiologist
Mississippi State Department of Health

570 East Woodrow Wilson ● Post Office Box 1700 ● Jackson, MS 39215-1700
601-576-8090 ● 1-866-HLTHY4U ● www.HealthyMS.com
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