A significant salmonella outbreak, suspected to be linked to eggs, has affected multiple regions in Sweden, with 50 cases confirmed in Katrineholm's elderly care homes. The outbreak spans 11 of the country's 21 regions, with a strong epidemiological link to eggs from a specific producer. Authorities emphasize proper egg preparation to prevent infection.
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Eggs Affects Half of Sweden
Alarm: Salmonella Outbreak Expands
Several individuals have fallen ill with salmonella at two elderly care homes in Katrineholm. However, they are not the only ones affected. This is part of a "larger outbreak" across half of Sweden, suspected to be caused by eggs, according to the Public Health Agency of Sweden.
In early September, residents at two elderly care homes in Katrineholm began showing symptoms of salmonella infection.
When Expressen reported on the outbreaks, there were 28 confirmed cases. This number has since grown, with a total of 50 cases confirmed at elderly care homes in Katrineholm.
The Public Health Agency now states that the cases in Sörmland are just part of a "larger outbreak where eggs are the likely source of infection."
Salmonella in Half of Sweden's Regions
The agency reports that a total of 48 cases in 11 of the country's 21 regions can be linked to the outbreak, with 18 cases in Sörmland, differing slightly from previous figures from Katrineholm's municipality.
Region Sörmland notes in a press release that they have only received analysis results from the initial cases.
- "Results from the others will be analyzed shortly. Given the strong epidemiological link between all 50 confirmed cases, it is highly likely that all cases are connected to the eggs," says Malin Enarsson, infectious disease physician in Sörmland, in a statement.
Linked to Egg Producer
According to the Public Health Agency, the salmonella strain identified in the national outbreak can also be found at an egg producer.
This announcement comes just weeks after major food chains recalled eggs from free-range hens due to salmonella risk. The recalled eggs were all traced back to a supplier's facility.
How to Cook Eggs Safely
When it comes to salmonella, young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable, but the Public Health Agency describes the disease as "not particularly dangerous" in most cases.
To avoid infection, it is important to handle and cook food properly.
- "Salmonella dies when the egg yolk becomes thick and creamy. An egg yolk that is firm, creamy but not runny has been sufficiently heated to kill salmonella. This applies to both fried and boiled eggs," says Deputy State Epidemiologist Stephan Stenmark in a statement.