A Salmonella outbreak in nursing homes in a region of Sweden has been connected to a larger national outbreak linked to eggs.
An analysis by the Public Health Agency of Sweden (Folkhälsomyndigheten) said 48 cases have been confirmed from 11 regions, including 18 in Sörmland.
As there are isolates from patients that have not yet been sequenced, more cases are likely to be added to the total.
Testing revealed the same variant of Salmonella Enteritidis caused the infections. It was also found at a laying hen farm, prompting eggs to be recalled in late August.
Interviews with patients strengthened the connection to recalled eggs. Axfood, ICA, Lidl, and Kronägg issued recalls. Affected eggs are stamped with code 2SE684-35 and SE007 on the package. Certain packs have best before dates up to Sept. 11, 2025.
Confirmed connection
The outbreak affecting nursing homes in Katrineholm was linked to eggs after analyses of the first cases. In total, 50 sick people have been reported.
Management of the incident includes officials in Katrineholm and health services in Region Sörmland.
Four people have died but three deaths were from other causes. One person died with a confirmed Salmonella infection but it is not certain that this was the cause of death.
“So far, we have only received typing results for the first cases. Results from the others will be analyzed in the near future. Since there is a strong epidemiological link between all 50 cases that have been confirmed, it is highly likely that all cases are linked to eggs,” said Malin Enarsson, an infectious disease specialist in Sörmland.
Investigations show that a catering business in Katrineholm received a delivery of eggs that were later recalled. They were used before the recall notice was received from the supplier. Remaining eggs were discarded when the municipality was told of the recall.
“It is extremely sad that we have had such an extensive spread of infection, especially in our operations where we have vulnerable people,” said Sari Eriksson, from the Katrineholm municipality.
Local agencies, the Swedish Board of Agriculture, Swedish Veterinary Institute and the Swedish Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket) are investigating the incident. To avoid infection, public health officials say it is important to handle eggs carefully to avoid cross contamination and cook eggs sufficiently.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)