WHO confirms 151 cases of salmonellosis linked to the consumption of Kinder eggs

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed this Wednesday 151 cases of salmonellosis linked to the consumption of chocolate from Belgium, after a genetic analysis carried out in the United Kingdom.

The analysis detected a genetic link between the bacteria that cause this disease, the Salmonellaand a series of chocolates from Belgiumall products of the type Kinder which were distributed in 113 countries, explains the OMS it’s a statement.

According to the UK Health Security Agency, the outbreak of “Salmonella Typhimurium”, whose first case was detected in December 2021, shows resistance against six types of antibiotics.

for now, the most affected have been children under ten years of age and womenwith a total of 134, which is explained by the fact that they are products aimed at children.

The WHO indicated that it considers that the risk of the disease spreading in Europe, the focus of the casesor in the world is moderate and this “until there is information about the complete withdrawal of the products involved.

As for geography, Belgium, the initial focus of the outbreak, is the most affected country with 26 reported cases followed by France (25). In Spain there is a confirmed case, although according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, two others are being investigated that could be related.

As a containment measure, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (Aesan) has ordered the withdrawal of all Kinder products: Kinder Surprise, Kinder Surprise Maxi, Kinder Mini Eggs and Schoko-bons.

The salmonellosis It is a foodborne disease commonly associated with the consumption of eggs, meat and dairy products and usually causes mild symptoms in patients, the most common being fever, abdominal pain or nausea.

However, this outbreak has set off alarm bells in the OMS because among the 21 cases in which severe symptoms have been reported, nine have required hospitalization (43%), which is considered a high rate.

To prevent the spread of this disease, the WHO recommends proper hand hygiene, especially after coming into contact with animals; cook food properly and wash fruits and vegetables before consumption.