A salmonella outbreak has been confirmed in two nursing homes in Katrineholm, Sweden, with 28 cases and four deaths under investigation. The community is working on testing and tracing the source, while implementing strict hygiene measures to protect residents.
Confirmed: 28 Salmonella Cases in Swedish Nursing Homes – Four Deaths Under Investigation
Confirmed: 28 Salmonella Cases in Swedish Nursing Homes – Four Deaths Under Investigation
Last Friday, individuals at two nursing homes in Katrineholm began showing symptoms of salmonella infection. Over the weekend, four elderly residents passed away, 28 cases have been confirmed, and another 20 are showing symptoms.
– It's terrible when something like this happens, says municipal director Sari Eriksson.
On Friday afternoon, the municipal leadership received the first reports of suspected salmonella infection at the Furuliden and Igelkotten nursing homes.
Several individuals showed symptoms, and one case was confirmed.
Since then, the situation has escalated. The number of confirmed and suspected cases currently stands at 48.
– This morning, we had 34 showing symptoms, says Sari Eriksson to Expressen at 5:30 PM on Monday.
– Now, just fifteen minutes ago, I learned that we have 28 confirmed cases at the two nursing homes. An additional ten residents are being tested, along with ten staff members.
Over the weekend, four residents at the nursing homes have died.
– However, one case has been confirmed to have nothing to do with salmonella, so it is a natural cause of death, says Sari Eriksson.
Municipal Director: “Extremely Sad”
What do you say about this?
– It's terrible when something like this happens. Especially in our operations and nursing homes where we have our vulnerable individuals. It is extremely sad.
The Furuliden and Igelkotten nursing homes in Katrineholm share a cooking kitchen, but the municipality has not yet found the source of the infection.
– Tracing and testing of certain foods are ongoing, but it may take until Wednesday before we get any answers.
What are you doing to protect the elderly?
– We are conducting testing and tracing, of course. We are also working with cohort care in the homes, which means we separate those showing symptoms from those who do not. And then we have the usual hygiene requirements, which are quite stringent in nursing homes.