Denmark hit by salmonella outbreak: 52 infected in spring and summer
During April, May, and June, 52 Danes have been affected by salmonella in connection with an outbreak of the disease. According to the latest update from the State Serum Institute (SSI), nine new cases have been registered since June 10th. The infected individuals consist of 32 men and 20 women, and the cases are spread across the country, with a majority in the capital area.
SSI has not yet determined the exact source of the outbreak, but the institute has previously suspected minced beef as a possible cause. “Right now, we are seeing a rapidly growing outbreak with 43 patients who have contracted salmonella. We know that the actual number of sick individuals is much higher, as not everyone goes to the doctor or gets tested. Through examination of the bacteria, we can see that the salmonella type is completely identical at the DNA level. This means that the patients are infected by the same source. Interviews with patients once again point to minced beef, as we saw with the latest outbreak,” stated Luise Müller, an epidemiologist at SSI, in connection with the latest update.
To reduce the risk of infection, SSI recommends the following precautions:
- If you want to eat steak tartare, buy minced meat specifically intended for this purpose. This should be indicated on the packaging – if not, ask the butcher.
- Wash hands before preparing food and after handling raw meat.
- Avoid tasting raw meat, such as raw minced meat.
- Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat food, such as salad.
- Ensure that minced meat is thoroughly cooked.
Symptoms of a salmonella infection typically include general discomfort, diarrhea, abdominal pain, possibly nausea, vomiting, and/or fever. The infection can also be accompanied by joint pain, muscle pain, and headache. In case of severe diarrhea, it is advised to consult a doctor.