Scientists have shared details about a major Salmonella outbreak investigation in Finland, including cucumbers and iceberg lettuce served at educational establishments. Over 700 people fell ill during the 2021 outbreak from Salmonella Typhimurium associated with a daycare lunch. Similar Salmonella Typhimurium was found in patients and in a vegetable mix containing iceberg lettuce, cucumber, and peas served for lunch.
It was the largest Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak in Europe since 2004 and the biggest Salmonella outbreak ever reported in Finland, according to the journal Zoonoses and Public Health study. There was a sudden increase in gastroenteritis patients in central Finland in June 2021. The outbreak was reported to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
The majority of patients had fever, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, with many of them having bloody stools. Between June 19 and July 5, 239 patients with gastroenteritis sought treatment. Their median age was 4 , ranging from 1 to 61 years old.
Role of the central kitchen Healthcare services encountered many challenges during the outbreak. This included patients with gastrointestinal symptoms in an area not designed for infectious disease patients, especially not children. Cleaning facilities were limited, and infection control measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic slowed the process.
Also, the holiday season resulted in a medical and nursing staff shortage. The central kitchen delivered food to 61 day.
