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Salmonella Outbreak in Sweden Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts
1 year ago •source foodsafetynews.com
Gissjö, 841 74 Västernorrland County, Sweden
A recent surge in Salmonella infections in Sweden has been associated with the consumption of alfalfa sprouts. The Public Health Agency of Sweden (Folkhälsomyndigheten) reported that 92 individuals across 18 regions have been infected with closely related variants of Salmonella Typhimurium. The outbreak, which began in August, has affected a diverse demographic, with patients ranging from 1 to 89 years old. The majority of cases are within the 0 to 10 and 40 to 50 age groups, with 60 women and 32 men reported ill.Investigations into the outbreak have been conducted by Folkhälsomyndigheten and regional infection control units. A case-control study was carried out, with questionnaires about food intake in the week prior to illness sent to those affected. The responses were then compared with answers from healthy controls. Preliminary results indicate that those infected had consumed alfalfa sprouts more frequently than the control group. These sprouts were purchased from various stores or served in different restaurants and canteens.
The outbreak was initially investigated in September, but the cause of the illnesses remained undetected and the investigation was closed. However, it was reopened and expanded earlier this month after several new variants of Salmonella Typhimurium were identified. The ongoing investigation involves regional infection control units, municipalities, the Swedish Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket), and Folkhälsomyndigheten.
In addition to the domestic investigation, Swedish officials have alerted EU networks to monitor any potential spread of Salmonella Typhimurium in other European countries.
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