One hundred guests fall ill from contaminated water at Pöljänsaaren Manor in Siilinjärvi

In Siilinjärvi, North Savo, at the Pöljänsaaren Manor, at least one hundred wedding guests fell ill due to contaminated water in July. Samples taken from the water revealed the presence of Campylobacter bacteria. The illnesses were reported from four different weddings held at two venues of Pöljänsaaren Manor, with 67 guests showing symptoms on July 6 and 27 on July 13.

Kaisa Hartikainen, head of environmental health for Siilinjärvi municipality, noted that the illnesses were reported on July 15. A warning to boil water was issued for Pöljänsaaren Manor, and no further cases have occurred since then. Manor proprietor Timo Kettunen stated that bottled water was immediately provided once the illness was recognized.

Hartikainen indicated that initial water samples were collected on July 16, with extensive sampling conducted on July 23, confirming the presence of Campylobacter in the well water. She speculates that not all mildly ill guests may have been reported, but as of now, exactly one hundred confirmed cases are known. All affected individuals have recovered, though four required hospital treatment.

Investigations focused on food items or drinks served at the weddings were deemed unnecessary because three different catering services were involved. The only common factor across these events was the water, leading Hartikainen to assert that the detected Campylobacter is likely the main cause of the illnesses.

Matti Nousiainen, head of environmental protection in Siilinjärvi, suspects that the sewage system may have temporarily exceeded capacity during the events, potentially contaminating well water. However, confirmation requires further investigation of the sewage system. Kettunen mentioned a possible scenario where a small animal could have contaminated the water through the protective casing of an old borehole. This would explain why Campylobacter was only found in well water, not in surface water. The situation was first reported by Savon Sanomat.