Salmonella is a type of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and animals. It thrives in unsanitary conditions and sewage, causing symptoms such as fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and food poisoning, particularly when consuming undercooked meat or egg products.
Research indicates that salmonella outbreaks are linked to climate change, with numerous studies predicting an increase in salmonella infections as temperatures rise.
Wider Spread
A European research team sought to understand how salmonella infections spread, especially since Europe experiences a high incidence of such infections. They conducted a study to identify the weather factors that facilitate the spread of salmonella in light of climate change. Their findings were published in the Journal of Infection on January 15, 2025.
Comparison
The researchers compared data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office, focusing on confirmed cases of salmonella in England and Wales between 2000 and 2016. They examined 14 weather-related variables.
Results
The study identified key conditions that favor the spread of salmonella, including temperatures exceeding 10°C, dew point temperatures between 7°C and 10°C, days with 12 to 15 hours of daylight and high relative humidity.
To validate their findings and assess the impact of these conditions on the spread of salmonella, the researchers conducted a similar analysis using data from the Netherlands. This suggests that their analytical approach is robust enough to be applied widely across Europe and in various regions worldwide, including tropical areas with different environmental, social, and economic characteristics.
Salmonella is a significant public health concern, infecting more than 150 million people annually and causing up to 60,000 deaths. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly study salmonella and identify the factors that contribute to its spread. This knowledge will help implement necessary measures to reduce the incidence of infection, ultimately preserving human life and enhancing social and economic stability.
