11 August 2005

Salmonella outbreak in Spain

A large outbreak of salmonella gastroenteritis linked to processed chicken has been reported in Spain [1]. As of 8 August 2005 a total of 2,138 cases have been reported, including one death in an elderly man. Many of the cases have been confirmed as Salmonella Hadar and are resistance to several antibiotics.

The reported cases have been epidemiologically and microbiologically linked to a single brand of pre-cooked, vacuum packed roast chicken which was distributed throughout Spain. On the 28 and 29 July, all implicated chicken products were recalled from commercial outlets. A mass media campaign was launched to ensure that consumption of chicken that had already been purchased was avoided. The implicated products are labelled Pollo Asada and Pimpollo. Cases have declined since these control measures were employed.

Since 9 August 2005, five cases of resistant strains of Salmonella Hadar have been reported in the UK. One of these cases has a history of travel to Spain, another to Majorca. Travel histories are being sought for the remaining three. It continues to be important to promptly refer all salmonella isolates to the Health Protection Agency Laboratory of Enteric Pathogens.

These cases of salmonellosis emphasise the importance of food and drink hygiene during travel. Chicken products should always be thoroughly cooked or reheated as chicken is commonly contaminated with enteric bacteria.

Reference

HPA. Large outbreak of Salmonella Hadar in Spain associated with pre-cooked chicken. Commun Dis Rep CDR Wkly [online] 2005; 15 (31)

Further reading

Lenglet A. E-alert 9 August: Over 2000 cases so far in Salmonella Hadar outbreak in Spain associated with consumption of pre-cooked chicken, July-August 2005. Eurosurveillance Weekly [serial online] 2005 [cited 11 August 2005]; 10 (31) Available at http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ew/2005/050811.asp#1