Sweden is looking for a source of Salmonella outbreaks; Campylobacter statistics released
More than 30 people have been confirmed sick in Sweden with Salmonella infections since the beginning of October.
The national monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak has affected 33 people. Whole genome sequencing has shown that patients have the same strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, so they are suspected of being infected by a common source of infection.
Affected local infection control units, the National Food Administration and the Swedish Public Health Agency are investigating the outbreak.
The source of infection has not been found but is believed to be a food with a wide spread in Sweden.
The cases vary in age from 2 to 89 years with a median age of 29. They live in seven different regions in Sweden.
Sixteen people younger than 18 years and 13 more older than 60 have been infected. Women make up 21 cases and 12 men are ill.
Monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium was in the top three for the causes of Salmonella patients who became infected in Sweden in 2020.
Campylobacter levels return to normal
At the same time, the number of people who become ill with Campylobacter has returned to normal levels after increasing twice.
An increase in the number of Campylobacter infections was seen from early July to mid-August when 179 to 191 cases were reported per week.
After a month of gradual decline, the number of reported cases increased again in late September and early October before declining again. This pattern was seen all over the country.
The spike in human cases was preceded by an increase in Campylobacter in broiler flocks, according to information from the Swedish Veterinary Institute (SVA).
Previous studies have shown that infections are often linked to inadequately cooked chicken. Officials believe it is likely that the increased prevalence of Campylobacter in chicken flocks was behind the increase in cases of humans.
The Swedish Public Health Agency has collected some samples from cases within the microbiological monitoring program to identify potential common sources of infection. Other work involves comparing the types of Campylobacter detected in patients with those found in chickens.
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