In total, salmonella bacteria with a similar genetic profile have been detected in 10 people connected to this outbreak. The individuals became ill between March and June 2024. They reside in Trøndelag (4), Vestland (2), Agder (1), Møre og Romsdal (1), Nordland (1), and Troms (1) counties, are aged 0 – 69 years, and several are children.
– Bacteria with a similar genetic profile have also been detected in samples from one cat, in addition to having previously been detected in small birds, says acting section head Umaer Naseer at FHI.
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has collaborated with the Food Safety Authority and the Veterinary Institute to investigate whether the individuals in the outbreak may have a common source of infection. Eight of the sick individuals have reported that they had contact with cats or small birds in the time before they became ill.
– Salmonella is excreted in the animals’ feces, and to prevent transmission to humans, it’s important to wash hands after all contact with small birds and cats, says Umaer Naseer.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
The most common symptoms of salmonella infection are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, and stomach pain. The infection usually lasts for 4-10 days and resolves on its own without treatment. Dehydration, especially in children, can occur.
How Salmonella is Transmitted from Small Birds and Cats
Salmonella is a zoonosis, meaning that the bacteria can be transmitted between animals and humans. The most common mode of transmission for Salmonella is through contaminated food and drink, but transmission can also occur through direct contact with domestic animals, including pets (cats, dogs, reptiles, birds) and wild animals (small birds and hedgehogs), or indirectly, for example, through sandboxes and dirty water contaminated with feces from cats or small birds. In Norway, small birds that gather on bird feeders in winter are a source of salmonella infection in humans. Cats that roam outside and catch small birds can also become infected and transmit the infection to humans. Infection with such small bird variants of Salmonella is particularly seen in children.
Advice on Preventing Infection from Small Birds and Cats
- Wash hands after direct contact with small birds or their feces, and after handling or cleaning feeding areas for small birds (e.g., birdhouses or bird feeders).
- Wash hands thoroughly after contact with pets (e.g., petting, brushing, and bathing) and after cleaning cages and litter boxes.
- Wash children’s hands after they have been outside playing, especially if they have played by bird feeders or in areas where cats may have defecated, such as sandboxes.
- If the cat (or other pet) is sick, the following is also important:
- Good hand hygiene when caring for it.
- Avoid allowing the pet to lick humans.
- Ensure that the pet does not have access to areas where food and drink are handled.
- Children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals should avoid close contact.
The Food Safety Authority and the Veterinary Institute have also published news about this:
See also: