Rapid Outbreak Assessment: Unusual increase of Salmonella Mikawasima infections in humans
This rapid outbreak assessment is done jointly with the European Food Safety Authority and reports on the unusual increase in the number of Salmonella Mikawasima infections in humans in several EU countries since September 2013.
Executive Summary
Several EU countries have over the past three months observed an unusual increase in the number of SalmonellaMikawasima infections in humans. In response to this increase, ECDC and the European Food Safety Authorityhave collaborated to produce a joint Rapid Outbreak Assessment.
Microbiological and epidemiological investigations have so far not allowed conclusions to be drawn on whether the cases are linked. Further microbiological study, through whole genome sequencing, should offer further evidence in support of a common source of infection. Epidemiological investigations are also ongoing and are expected to provide more information on the risk to EU citizens.
Analysis of data from The European Surveillance System (TESSy) reveals there has been an upward trend in S.Mikawasima cases in the EU/EEA since 2009 and that the cases observed in October and November 2013 have been above expectations.
As well as an increase in human infections, this Salmonella serotype has been detected in animal food and feed. A multi-sectorial investigation is therefore recommended in order to understand and assess the risk associated with the upward trend in the number of S. Mikawasima infections in the EU/EEA.
