Salmonella Outbreak in Katrineholm Linked to Nursing Home, One Fatality Reported

A salmonella outbreak in Katrineholm has been linked to a nursing home, resulting in 33 confirmed cases and one reported death. The Public Health Agency of Sweden (Folkhälsomyndigheten) has noted a concerning increase in salmonella infections across the country, prompting urgent food safety recommendations to mitigate further risks. In particular, the agency has identified several retailers, including Axfood, Ica, and Lidl, which recently recalled eggs due to contamination concerns associated with this outbreak.

According to Mats Lindblad, an expert from the Swedish Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket), proper cooking methods are essential to eliminate salmonella pathogens. It has been emphasized that cooking food to a minimum temperature of 70 degrees Celsius rapidly kills the bacteria. Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, which can be especially severe among vulnerable populations such as the elderly.

The connection to egg consumption has raised specific guidelines regarding food preparation, particularly for homemade items like mayonnaise. Lindblad recommends using Nordic eggs, which are deemed safe for use in raw or undercooked dishes due to their low salmonella risk. The presence of salmonella in Nordic egg production is considered rare, making them suitable for consumption even without heat treatment, unlike eggs from non-Nordic countries.

In light of the outbreak, food safety recommendations stress the importance of maintaining kitchen hygiene: vegetables should be washed thoroughly, hands sanitized, and surfaces regularly disinfected to avoid cross-contamination. Moreover, the risks posed by raw or improperly prepared foods must not be overlooked, especially as salmonella can survive freezing and heat-resistant processing.

The situation remains under close observation as the authorities work to identify the source and prevent further infections. As the public health response continues, consumers are urged to follow hygiene practices and be cautious with food safety, particularly regarding eggs and poultry products.