30 sick in 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 late August up to mid-September, 31 people across the country have fallen sick with Salmonella Coeln infections.

The source of infection is suspected to be a food with a wide distribution in Sweden.

Whole genome sequencing has shown patients had the same type of Salmonella Coeln, which means it is likely they were infected by a common source.

Those sick range in age from 0 to 85 years old 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 Swedish Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket) and Public Health Agency of Sweden (Folkhälsomyndigheten).

The number of people affected by Salmonella Coeln in Sweden in 2020 and 2019 was in single figures.

About Salmonella
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of 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 because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal 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 may 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 severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions. Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

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