Three Children in Latvia Infected with Salmonella After Eating 'Reeva' Noodles Dry

Cases and Link to Product

Latvia has confirmed three cases of Salmonella Stanley infection in primary school-aged children. All fell ill in April and May this year, with cases registered in Ventspils, Liepāja, and Kuldīga. An additional case was identified based on clinical and epidemiological criteria – a child fell ill after eating 'Reeva' noodles with a friend.

Epidemiologists from SPKC, after repeated interviews, found that all patients had consumed 'Reeva' instant noodles in dry, uncooked form before falling ill. No cases were reported when the noodles were prepared according to manufacturer's instructions – pouring boiling water over them.

International Outbreak and Laboratory Findings

Data from the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory of Riga East University Hospital indicate that the Latvian cases are part of an international outbreak. Sequencing of Salmonella Stanley samples showed close genetic relatedness among the pathogens. Similar cases have been reported in Denmark, the UK, Germany, Lithuania, Austria, Estonia, Czechia, Romania, and Poland, most linked to dry consumption of 'Reeva' noodles.

Furthermore, Salmonella Stanley was found in 'Reeva' noodle samples from the UK, Germany, Estonia, and Denmark. Bacteria from human and food samples are genetically related, confirming the epidemiological link.

Recommendations and Preventive Measures

SPKC emphasizes that the overall risk of infection is low, as the number of cases is small, and tests by the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) in Latvia have not found salmonella in products so far. However, to reduce risk, SPKC advises against eating instant noodles dry, always preparing them with boiling water and following the specified time. Hands should be washed after handling uncooked product.

It is especially important to prevent children from eating dry noodles as a snack and to teach them that these noodles are not meant to be consumed without heat treatment. If product batches are recalled, consumers should follow PVD information.

Symptoms and Action

Salmonellosis symptoms include diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals, medical help may be needed. If symptoms appear, it is recommended to contact a family doctor.