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Salmonella outbreak detected in nursing homes

Salmonella outbreak hits two nursing homes in Katrineholm, Sweden, with many affected individuals confirmed sick due to local eggs.

Nursing homes face Salmonella infection spread
Nursing homes face Salmonella infection spread

Salmonella outbreak detected in nursing homes

In recent news, an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis has been detected in laying hens and their eggs in Katrineholm, Sweden. This outbreak has been linked to a local egg producer, Katrineholms Ägg, and has resulted in at least 50 people falling ill with Salmonella.

The regional council for Södermanland County has confirmed the outbreak, and the Public Health Agency is currently investigating the local egg producer. The eggs produced by Katrineholms Ägg have been recalled, and it is believed that the recalled eggs are the source of the outbreak.

The symptoms of Salmonella, a common bacterial disease, include fever, vomiting, nausea, chills, headache, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. Salmonella is most often passed through contaminated foods, often from animals including beef, poultry, seafood, milk, or eggs, but any food can become contaminated.

It is important to note that three of the deaths were not caused by Salmonella, and it is unclear if the remaining one death was caused by the bacterial disease. Four people have died during the outbreak, but only seven cases have been reported with the specific strain of Salmonella Enteritidis.

The Salmonella outbreak in Sweden is not limited to Katrineholm, as it has also been reported in four different regions of the country. This outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis is one of several incidents contributing to an upwards trend of Salmonella cases in Sweden on a national scale.

Despite the ongoing outbreak, the Public Health Agency expects the incidents to decrease in the autumn time. Unwashed vegetables can also become contaminated with Salmonella, so it is important to wash all produce thoroughly before consumption to reduce the risk of infection.

Salmonella is a disease that affects the intestines, and it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you have contracted the illness. If you have recently consumed eggs from Katrineholms Ägg and are experiencing symptoms of Salmonella, it is important to contact your healthcare provider.

The Public Health Agency will continue to investigate the local egg producer and monitor the outbreak to prevent further spread of the disease. It is recommended to avoid consuming recalled eggs and to practice good hygiene when handling food to reduce the risk of Salmonella infection.

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