Salmonella Outbreak Investigated at Gran Canaria Hospitals
The General Directorate of Public Health of the Canary Islands Government reported on Friday that the salmonella outbreak detected in hospitals on Gran Canaria has now affected 17 individuals, with ten already discharged either medically or epidemiologically.
Ongoing Investigations
The source of the outbreak, which has affected nine patients at the Insular Materno-Infantil Hospital Complex and eight at the Juan Carlos I Hospital, is still under investigation by both the Canary Health Service and the hospital management. The authorities have yet to determine the cause of the outbreak, as explained in a statement from the health department.
Since the first symptoms compatible with this infection were reported, the management of the hospital complex, in coordination with the General Directorate of Public Health, has activated the established protocols for such cases. This includes analysing food samples as well as those collected from patients, according to the regional government.
Pending Laboratory Results
Currently, officials are awaiting the results from the laboratory analyses of the samples taken. An epidemiological report is being maintained. However, in an audio message from a preventive medicine specialist at the complex, shared by the health department, it was specified that all analysed samples so far have tested negative.
Additionally, it is important to note that the kitchen service at the hospital complex, which also serves the Juan Carlos I Hospital, has immobilised the food suspected of being the source of this outbreak to prevent any potential future infections.
The Epidemiological Surveillance Unit of the General Directorate of Public Health of the SCS and the management of the Insular-Materno Infantil University Hospital Complex are following protocols, activating the necessary measures, initiating pertinent epidemiological studies, and continuing to monitor the situation for any further individuals who may be affected.
