The first case was detected in December 2021. The “Salmonella Typhimurium” outbreak showed resistance to six types of antibiotics

Geneva.- The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed this Wednesday 151 cases of salmonellosis associated with chocolate consumption from Belgium, after genetic analysis was carried out in the UK.

The analysis detected a genetic link between the disease-causing bacteria, Salmonella, and a range of Belgian chocolates, all Kinder-type products, distributed in 113 countriesdescribes the Organization in a statement.

According to the UK’s Health Safety Board, the outbreak of “Salmonella Typhimurium”, whose first case was detected in December 2021, shows resistance to six types of antibiotics.

Currently, the most affected are children under ten years and women, with a total of 134, which is explained by the fact that they are products aimed at children.

WHO indicated that they considered the risk of disease spreading in Europe, the focus of cases, or in the world to be moderate and this was “until there is information on a complete recall of the product involved.

Belgium, initial focus of salmonellosis outbreak

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

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

Salmonellosis is a disease food transmission It is 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 alarm bells at WHO because of the 21 cases whose severe symptoms have been reported, nine required hospitalization (43%), which is considered a high number.

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