Tracing Back the Source of an Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium; National Outbreak Linked to the Consumption of Raw and Undercooked Beef Products, the Netherlands, October to December 2015

In conclusion, this outbreak investigation highlighted the importance of close collaboration between regional Public Health Services, the NVWA, the RIVM and diagnostic laboratories. Through a combined microbiological, epidemiological and source tracing approach, raw and undercooked beef products could be identified as the source of the S. Typhimurium outbreak. This outbreak yet again emphasizes the importance of awareness among consumers of the risk of infection when consuming or handling raw meat products. To increase transparency for consumers, we recommend adding warning labels to risk food products. Competing Interests The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. Data Availability Statement Access to data are restricted to protect the confidentiality of individuals and premises involved in this outbreak. Researchers interested in accessing an anonymised minimal data set should write to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (details below), who will assess the request. Requests for data should be addressed to: Department Epidemiology and Surveillance of Gastroenteritis and Zoonoses (pb 75), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Pbox 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, the Netherlands (eelco.franz@rivm.nl). Corresponding Author Ingrid Friesema: ingrid.friesema@rivm.nl
Source: PLOS Currents Outbreaks - Category: Epidemiology Authors: Source Type: research