Uruguay reports of foodborne outbreaks increase

Data from Uruguay shows a rise in the number of outbreaks and people getting sick from 2021 to 2024.

Information on patients and outbreaks of foodborne illness between 2021 and 2024 was recently released by the Ministry of Public Health (Ministerio de Salud Pública).

Nineteen outbreaks with 419 cases were recorded up to December 2024. Montevideo reported seven outbreaks with 174 infections.

Prepared meals were linked to four outbreaks while eggs and egg products caused three. Two each were because of meat and meat products and water. Beverages were behind one incident.

A dozen Salmonella Typhimurium cases were reported. Other Salmonella types included Muenchen, Newport, and Orianenburg. There were 13 Staphylococcus aureus cases and three Listeria infections. One case of nitrate intoxication was listed.

In 2023, Uruguay had 19 outbreaks with 593 cases. Seven outbreaks and 305 cases occurred in Montevideo. San José reported two outbreaks with 96 cases and one epidemic in Artigas affected 92 people.

Meat and meat products caused seven outbreaks. Three were linked to fruits and vegetables. Fish products as well as meals and prepared dishes both caused two outbreaks. One outbreak each was connected to eggs and egg products as well as milk and dairy products.

In total, 82 confirmed norovirus infections were reported. Salmonella Enteritidis caused 14 cases while Salmonella Typhimurium was responsible for 21 infections. Other Salmonella types with a few cases were Infantis, Kedougou, and Panama. There were also five cases of Listeria monocytogenes.

Rise from past years
In 2022, there were 13 outbreaks with 262 patients. Eight outbreaks and 112 patients occurred in Montevideo.

Three outbreaks each were linked to eggs and egg products as well as meat products. Two were caused by sauces, dressings, and condiments. Milk and dairy products, fruits and vegetables, and fish products were all behind one outbreak.

Salmonella Enteritidis caused 21 cases while Salmonella Typhimurium was responsible for 14 infections. Other Salmonella types with a few cases were Infantis, Anatum, and Panama. There were also six cases of Listeria monocytogenes.

In 2021, 13 outbreaks were recorded with 172 patients. Seven outbreaks and more than 100 cases were reported in Montevideo.

Three outbreaks were linked to meals and prepared dishes. Eggs and egg products, milk and dairy products, and meat products all caused two each while one outbreak was connected to fruits and vegetables.

Twenty people fell sick with Salmonella. There were three cases each of Amanita phalloides and Staphylococcus aureus intoxication.

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