Salmonella Outbreak in Ten European Countries Linked to Instant Noodles; Estonia Reports Five Cases
An outbreak of Salmonella Stanley has affected over 80 people across Europe, with Estonia confirming five cases. Health authorities suspect dry instant noodles as the source and advise against consuming them without proper cooking.
A salmonella outbreak caused by the bacterium Salmonella Stanley has been reported in ten European countries, including Estonia. More than 80 people have fallen ill, and health experts have identified dry instant noodles as a likely source of infection, particularly when consumed without cooking.
Estonia's Health Board has confirmed five cases linked to the outbreak, with six additional cases under investigation to determine their connection. The infected individuals are located in several counties: Harju, Ida-Viru, Järva, Tartu, and Pärnu. The majority of patients are children and teenagers.
During the epidemiological investigation, contaminated instant noodles were discovered. Further testing will clarify how many cases are directly attributable to the consumption of these noodles.
To prevent new infections, the Health Board advises against eating instant noodles in their dry form. Salmonella bacteria are killed at temperatures of 70–75°C, so preparing the noodles with sufficiently hot water significantly reduces the risk of infection.
