Food poisonings prompt investigation after fundraiser feast

TV9 has learned the Johnson County Public Health Department and the Iowa Department of Public Health are investigating reports of food poisoning following an event in Swisher.

The illnesses have been linked to the Swisher Men's Club's Game Feast Dinner this past weekend. The group's facebook page says the fundraiser has been going on for 15 years and features dishes that include meat from animals that are often hunted.

The health departments are looking for anyone who may have attended the meal to try to track down the source of the illnesses. It's asking attendees to email diana.vonstein@idph.iowa.gov with their contact information.

Johnson County Public Health Director Dave Koch tells TV9 part of their investigative efforts have included taking part in a conference call with officials from the Iowa Department of Public Health on Tuesday.

Koch says part of the investigation will also include testing samples of the food that was served along with conducting tests on any individuals who think they may have contracted an illness.

It is unclear how many people may be claiming to be sick however the club posted the following message to their Facebook page which reads in part: "The Swisher Men’s Club is aware of a number of illnesses as a result of our Game Feast Dinner. We are actively working with the county and state health departments to determine the cause of these illnesses."

TV9 has reached out to the Swisher Men's Club for comment. President Mike Brown, Jr. referred back to the statement provided on Facebook. Brown declined TV9's offer for an on-camera interview, but did say they are relaying all necessary information to the Iowa Department of Public Health.