Salmonella infections in southern Lower Saxony

Increased Salmonella infection in Göttingen

06/07/2012

In southeastern Lower Saxony, the number of salmonella infections is increasing. „Since April 2012 there have been increased cases of salmonella with a focus on the Eichsfeld region compared to previous years“, according to the report of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Consumer Protection and Regional Development.

Almost 50 people have been infected with salmonella according to the Ministry's notification in the district of Göttingen and the neighboring districts. The infection is caused by so-called Salmonella Panama bacteria. The authorities suspect that the diseases „in connection with the consumption of Mett or raw sausage - for example, tea sausage or so-called cracker - stand.“ The health authorities and food control authorities are currently working together to identify the source of infection.

Nearly 50 reported Salmonella infection
After a significant increase in salmonella infections compared to the previous year in April, the number of illnesses fell in May for the time being, but shot up again in June. By the beginning of July, a total of 31 Salmonella infections had been reported in the district of Göttingen, while in the surrounding districts the authorities registered 15 cases. Salmonella infections have also increased in the Thuringian part of the Eichsfeld region. Infected persons in the district of Göttingen are currently „standardized by the Niedersächsische Landesgesundheitsamt (NLGA) in order to systematize further indications of possible sources of infection and chains“, so the message of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Consumer Protection. First results of the survey indicate, therefore, that a large part of those affected had eaten raw Mett or raw sausage during the infection period.

Salmonella infections may require hospitalization
Salmonella can, according to the ministry „especially in mincemeat grow relatively easily.“ In humans, Salmonella infection (including salmonellosis) causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Concomitant high fever is a symptom of a more severe course of the disease, which can cause serious complications due to the massive fluid loss and drastic weight loss. In such cases, a hospital admission is usually required. „The best protection against contamination is the complete heating of meat or meat“, but also „compliance with general hygiene rules in private households when handling raw meat or meat“ makes at this point a significant contribution to infection control, the note from the Lower Saxony Consumer Protection Ministry. Until the source of the infection is identified, the inhabitants of the Eichsfeld region and the surrounding area should urgently follow the instructions of the Ministry.

Raw meat unsuitable for children, pregnant women and immunocompromised persons
In general, consumption of raw meat is less suitable for immunocompromised individuals and children due to potential burden of pathogens. In this context, the Ministry also refers to the press release of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) „Hackepeter and Mett are not for small children "from March 2012. According to the BfR can with the „raw meat including Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli including EHEC, Yersinia, Listeria but also viruses and parasites.“ Therefore, should „particularly sensitive groups of people, such as small children, pregnant women, seniors or persons with weakened immune systems, do not eat these foods raw“, warned the BfR in mid-March. This recommendation is also followed by the Lower Saxony Consumer Protection Ministry. (Fp)

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Image: Sebastian Karkus