New Brunswick’s Office of Public Health is investigating the sudden death of a woman after an illness thought to be contracted from consuming contaminated food or water at a community Christmas dinner in the Nackawic area.

Dr. Jennifer Russell, the acting chief medical officer of health, confirmed a woman has died as a result of an illness following a community supper in the Nackawic area. (CBC) Dr. Jennifer Russell, the acting chief medical officer of health, said the illness was reported on Dec. 5 following the community supper.

“The illness is thought to be related to consumption of contaminated food or water borne,” Russell’s statement said.

“From public health's initial investigation over 30 attendees reported signs of gastrointestinal illness, diarrhea and abdominal pain.”

The precise cause of death has not been determined.

No other hospitalizations have been linked to the community supper in the Nackawic area.

The public health agency is continuing to investigate the cause of the illness. Samples have been collected and have been sent for examination.

The testing will help identify the “pathogen and potentially contaminated food item(s),” according to the health officer.