The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the ECDC, published an epidemiological update on 3 June on cases of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium infection.
The ECDC reports that as of 3 June, 370 confirmed and 22 probable cases have been identified in relation to this outbreak. These infections were characterised by sometimes severe symptoms and a high rate of hospitalisation. The World Health Organization and the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) report that the cases of infection have been particularly concentrated in children under 10 years of age, who account for about 89% of the cases.
An epidemiological investigation and genetic sequencing of the bacteria indicate that these cases are likely to be linked to the consumption of Kinder chocolate products made in Belgium at the Ferrero factory in Arlon.
The factory was closed on 8 April 2022. A product recall was carried out in Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom. This has led to a decline in cases, says the ECDC.
The ECDC reports that further investigations into the causes and extent of the infections are underway in the countries where cases have been reported.
Link to the epidemiological update: https://aeur.eu/f/1yk (Original version in French by Émilie Vanderhulst)