Salmonella in Spain

Regional health authorities in Spain have confirmed today that more than 500 people are affected by the current outbreak of Salmonella in Spain. All of the people being treated seem to have been infected by pre-packed roast chicken. None of them are in a serious condition.

The outbreak is widespread and most regions in Spain have registered cases of patients with symptoms of salmonella. Symptoms of the bacterial infection include diarrhea, a high temperature and/or abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment

The Spanish food company Grupo Sada confirmed yesterday that it had found traces of the salmonella germ in one the sauce pipes of its factory in Toledo. All Sada chicken products have been withdrawn from the market and consumers who may have purchased a roast chicken are advised to throw it away.

Anyone suffering symptoms similar to those mentioned above is advised to go to his or her nearest health center to undergo a medical examination.

The greatest risk from mild samonella is dehydration, especially in hot weather, so anyone suffering from diarrhea should drink lots of liquid. Outbreaks of salmonella in Spain are quite frequent during the Summer weeks, and are usually caused by contaminated chicken meat or eggs.

The worst affected region is Murcia with 140 cases, including 10 hospitalised patients, followed by Andalusia (108) and Castilla La Mancha (88) where 4 patients have been admitted to hospital. Other regions affected include Castilla y Leon, the Balearic Islands, Extremadura, Catalonia, the Valencia Region, Madrid and the Rioja.

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