Increase in Salmonella Stourbridge infections in Germany during 2016 – 16 December 2016
Germany has reported an increase in the number of Salmonella Stourbridge cases during the second half of 2016, with a high proportion of hospitalised cases and two deaths. Seven other EU Member States have reported additional cases. Whole genome sequencing is being carried out in a number of countries to try and establish the source of the outbreak.
Executive Summary
Germany has reported an increase in the number of Salmonella Stourbridge cases during the second half of 2016. As neither the vehicle nor source of infection has been identified, more cases may occur. The high proportion of hospitalised cases and the two fatalities highlight the importance of identifying the vehicle or source of infection and applying control measures.
Seven other EU Member States have reported cases of S. Stourbridge in 2016 and investigations are ongoing to establish whether they are linked with the German cases. However, the number of cases reported remains within the expected range.
ECDC encourages the sharing, joint analysis and interpretation of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) data together with involved Member State experts. In addition, public health authorities may consider contacting their national food safety and veterinary authorities to investigate whether non-human isolates of S. Stourbridge have been identified this year.
