Salmonella bacteria have been detected in ten individuals linked to the same outbreak, reports the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) in a press release. Contact with small birds or cats is believed to be the source of the infection.
Ten sick individuals registered
The individuals in question became ill between March and June 2024 and reside in Trøndelag (4), Vestland (2), Agder (1), Møre og Romsdal (1), Nordland (1), and Troms (1) counties.
In recent months, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health has been investigating an increase in the number of people infected with the gastrointestinal bacteria.
– Bacteria with a similar genetic profile have also been found in samples from one cat, in addition to having previously been found in small birds, says acting section chief Umaer Naseer at FHI.
Wash your hands
Eight of those infected have reported having contact with a cat or small bird before becoming ill.
– Salmonella is shed in the animals’ feces, and to prevent transmission to humans, it is important to wash hands after any contact with small birds and cats, says Naseer.
Salmonella is a zoonosis, meaning that the bacteria can be transmitted between animals and humans.