Public health officials in Gibraltar have declared an outbreak due to increased cases of Salmonella.
Five patients have been diagnosed and two have been hospitalized.
Public Health Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Health Authority and the Environmental Agency are trying to determine the source of the outbreak.
The Gibraltar Health Authority said the five cases are likely an underestimate, with reports of diarrhea and vomiting in people in the community who do not go to hospitals. By mid-October, people were getting sick and people of different ages were affected.
The Salmonella strain has not yet been confirmed and genomic typing is underway in the UK.
Food poisoning and Salmonella must be reported in Gibraltar. The country usually has a maximum of three Salmonella infections per month. In the summer there was no sudden increase in recent weeks. The Gibraltar Health Authority attributed the zero cases in the summer to a campaign with Public Health Gibraltar and the Environmental Agency at the start of the season.
“We would like to remind the community of the importance of maintaining good food hygiene and hand hygiene practices. These measures play a crucial role in preventing foodborne diseases, such as Salmonella, which can be spread through contaminated food, water or contact with infected animals,” the three agencies said in a statement.
Tips to help protect yourself and others include washing hands regularly with soap and water before preparing or eating food, after using the toilet and after handling raw meat, poultry or eggs. Make sure all foods, especially meat, poultry, eggs and seafood, are cooked to the correct temperature. Keep raw and cooked foods separate, use different utensils for handling raw meat, and clean kitchen surfaces and equipment regularly to prevent cross-contamination. Store perishable food in the refrigerator immediately and do not leave food at room temperature for extended periods of time.
About Salmonella
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria usually does not look, smell or taste spoiled. However, anyone can become ill from a Salmonella infection. According to the CDC, infants, children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.
Anyone who has developed symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctor about possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria, because special tests are needed to diagnose salmonellosis. Symptoms of Salmonella infection can mimic other diseases, often leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. However, in some cases, the diarrhea can be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop serious illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions. Some people become infected without becoming ill or showing symptoms. However, they can still spread the infections to others.
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