Salmonellosis – Norway

An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis in Norway linked to snakes.

The cases were linked to direct or indirect contact with snakes. The feed reptile owners use is the suspected source but investigation is still ongoing.

There have been a total of 13 confirmed cases from 2019-2021.

Public health officials recommend always washing hands after contact with animals.

Photo: Salmonella (red) invading human cells.

Infection with salmonella in developed countries generally results in food poisoning. The organisms enter through the digestive tract and must be ingested in large numbers to cause disease in healthy adults. Between 60% to 80% of salmonella infections cases go un-diagnosed.

Risk factors for salmonella infections include a variety of foods. Meats such as chicken and pork have the possibility to be contaminated. A variety of vegetables and sprouts may also have salmonella. Lastly, a variety of processed foods such as chicken nuggets and pot pies may also contain this bacteria.

Salmonella was first visualized in 1880. The name Salmonella was not used until 1900.

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