30 patients in the Salmonella outbreak in Sweden
Swedish officials are trying to find the source of a national outbreak of Salmonella that has affected more than 30 people.
From the end of August to the middle of September, 31 people across the country have contracted Salmonella Coeln infections.
The source of infection is suspected to be a food with a large spread in Sweden.
Entire genome sequencing has shown that patients had the same type of Salmonella Coeln, which means that they are likely to be infected by a common source.
The sick vary between 0 and 85 years with a median age of 28. They live in 12 different regions in Sweden and 18 are men.
Local infection control units and municipalities are involved in the outbreak investigation with the National Food Administration and the Swedish Public Health Agency.
The number of people affected by Salmonella Coeln in Sweden in 2020 and 2019 was in single figures.
About Salmonella
Foods contaminated with Salmonella bacteria usually do not look, smell or taste spoiled. Anyone can get sick with a salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has developed symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to salmonella bacteria as special tests are needed to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other diseases, often leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection may include diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea can be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a serious illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions. Some people become infected without becoming ill or showing any symptoms. But they can still spread infections to others.
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