Seven people have needed hospital treatment as part of a Salmonella outbreak in France linked to dry pork sausages.

In total, 31 cases of salmonellosis have been detected by the National Reference Center for Salmonella at Institut Pasteur. Illness because of Salmonella Bovismorbificans has mostly affected young people with at least 17 children sick.

Strains were isolated from patients between Sept. 22 and Nov. 14, 2020. The onset of symptoms ranged from Sept. 22 to Nov. 10.

Patients live in seven different parts of the country while the Grand-Est region has the most cases with 16. Fourteen men and 17 women have been confirmed sick, ranging in age from 1 to 69 years old. Seven patients were hospitalized but no deaths reported.

Investigation findings
Almost all patients had eaten dried pork sausage of one brand bought in several locations of the same supermarket chain, according to Santé publique France.

The link between illness and eating dry cold meats manufactured by France Salaisons was previously made by the Directorate General for Food (DGAL), Directorate General for Health and Santé publique France. The company is based in the Rhone region of France.

Potentially contaminated product has also been recalled in Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal and Slovenia.

In France, a withdrawal and recall of several batches of dry sausage of the Saint Azay brand sold at E. Leclerc stores has taken place.

France Salaisons also withdrew and recalled certain lots and dates of rosette de Lyon 15 slices of the Saint Alby brand and rosette pre-sliced in 15 slices of the Le Flutiau make. Monterrat used rosette manufactured by France Salaisons on some club rosette sandwiches, prompting a recall.

about Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has eaten any recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions. Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.