Ireland shares the latest pathogen statistics

Ireland has reported the number of infections caused by major pathogens from April to June.

Data comes from a report published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) that includes foodborne illnesses in the second quarter of 2024. 

In the first quarter of 2024, there were 733 Campylobacter cases, five Listeria infections, 67 Salmonella cases, and 116 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections.

From April to June 2024, notifications of Campylobacter, Salmonella, and E. coli increased while Listeria infections stayed the same as in the same period in 2023.

A total of 1,320 cases of Campylobacteriosis were notified in the second quarter of 2024, which was higher than 1,057 cases in Q2 2023. One outbreak had two patients. Of 76 sequenced isolates, 70 were Campylobacter jejuni.

Salmonella and E. coli figures

There were 94 cases of salmonellosis, up from 73 in Q2 2023. Of the 70 cases for which travel history was known, 41 percent were travel-associated, and 59 percent were domestically acquired.

Infection with Salmonella Typhimurium was more common than Salmonella Enteritidis among travel-associated and domestic cases. One outbreak included two sick people.

A total of 262 E. coli infections were reported compared to 246 in the same period in 2023.

Twelve hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) cases occurred. At least one of these was caused by consuming a soft cheese made with raw milk.

Seventeen outbreaks with 60 sick people were recorded. The number of patients in each incident ranged from two to 18.  

The most common serogroups among culture-confirmed cases were O157, O26, and O145.

Seven cases of Listeriosis were reported, the same as in Q2 2023. There were no pregnancy-related or neonatal cases. There was one national outbreak with three confirmed patients.

There were 349 cases of cryptosporidiosis, up from 278 in the same period in 2023. twenty-four outbreaks with 68 sick people were notified, which is higher than the 13 outbreaks for the same period in 2023.

Sixteen cases of Hepatitis A were reported, up from 11 in Q2 2023, and six Hepatitis E infections, down from 14 in Q2 2023.

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Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/10/ireland-shares-latest-pathogen-statistics/