Global warming is seeing the potentially deadly stomach bug salmonella spread rapidly across Europe, with the virus thriving in warmer conditions and spiking foodborne illness rates
A salmonella warning has been issued as a horror vomiting bug is due to become more common following a hotel food poisoning disaster.
Global warming is increasing the risk of potentially deadly stomach bugs from spreading, according to scientists. The study, led by researchers at the University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine, investigated the impact of different of different weather factors on the transmission of Salmonella, a leading cause of foodborne illnesses in Europe, accounting for nearly one in three foodborne outbreaks.
The warning comes after dozens of people were struck down with the illness while staying at the four-star Izan Cavanna Hotel in La Manga, near Murcia, in Spain. A field hospital was set up at the seafront to assist guests who suffered symptoms of the illness, which include vomiting, diarrhoea and nausea.
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Some 20 people from the hotel were rushed to hospital following after cases were recorded. By yesterday the number of people who suffered from the illness to over the 100 of the 800 guests.
What is salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It’s found in the intestines of animals and humans and can contaminate food if it’s not cooked or handled properly.
Salmonella can cause diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps, and it is most prominent in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.
Expert’s warning
The team’s research compared UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data of confirmed cases of Salmonella in England and Wales during the period from 2000 to 2016 with Met Office data of the time, focusing on 14 different weather factors.
The researchers explained that it provided a fuller understanding, which considered the combined effect of multiple weather factors on incidences of Salmonella, leading to an in-depth description of the risk of salmonellosis when the local weather is known during the previous days.
Warmer temperatures of above 10 degrees Celsius, relative humidity, dewpoint temperature between 7C and 10C, and longer hours of daylight were identified as “key” weather factors associated with an increase in Salmonella cases, irrespective of geographical location.
The findings, published in the Journal of Infection, were also validated by analysing data from the Netherlands.
Dr Gianni Lo Iacono, senior lecturer in biostatistics and epidemiology at the University of Surrey, said: “The model we used to analyse the data shows promise, as the findings were replicated across England, Wales and, independently, in the Netherlands, suggesting a potential for wider application in other European and high-income countries to help gain new insights on the incidence of Salmonella.
“It would be interesting to investigate this in regions with very different environmental and socio-economic characteristics, like tropical countries.”
Study first author Dr Laura Gonzalez Villeta added: “The study highlights how weather plays a significant role in Salmonella outbreaks and provides a valuable tool for predicting future risks and tailoring interventions, particularly in the context of climate change.”