The Food Safety Authority of Ireland and health boards monitored 67 outbreaks of stomach bugs in 1998 and 1999. These outbreaks made over 1900 people sick, with 4% needing hospital care and two deaths. Most outbreaks were caused by Salmonella and viruses, with the source unknown in 25% of cases. Restaurants and hotels were common outbreak locations, with eggs and infected food handlers often to blame. Outbreaks lasted from one day to 38 days, affecting various settings like hospitals and residential institutions. Foodborne illnesses were common, especially from Salmonella in eggs. Food handlers were linked to nearly a third of outbreaks, though their role in spreading the illness was unclear.