Over the past few weeks, more than 50 people have fallen ill in one region of Italy.
Health officials in the Emilia-Romagna region said the Department of Public Health (DSP) had received reports of suspected foodborne illnesses in people with gastrointestinal symptoms, usually accompanied by fever. In almost all cases, symptoms resolved within a few days, but three people required hospitalization.
An epidemiological investigation by the Department of Public Health showed that most of the cases had eaten in retail outlets in the province of Reggio Emilia several days before the onset of symptoms. The specific food source is still unknown.
Positive results for salmonella
DSP conducted an environmental and food safety audit at the affected facility.
Analysis of patient samples showed that 19 people were infected with salmonella. Laboratory results from other patients are awaited, as are food and environmental samples.
The investigations are being carried out with the support of the Istituto Zooprofilattico and the Regional Center for Epidemiological Surveillance of Foodborne Diseases to find out whether these cases are linked to other incidents in Italy or Europe.
Between January 2023 and September 2025, more than 100 people became ill with Salmonella Strathcona infection in Italy. Available evidence points to small tomatoes from Sicily as the source of infection.
In 2024, an outbreak of Salmonella Umbilo was associated with contaminated produce from Salerno in Italy. More than 200 people fell ill in Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland and the UK.
About salmonella infection
Food contaminated with salmonella bacteria usually does not look spoiled, does not smell or taste. Anyone can get salmonellosis. Infants, children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of a salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are needed to diagnose salmonellosis. Symptoms of Salmonella infection can mimic other diseases, often leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of a salmonella infection may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever for 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults usually get sick for four to seven days. However, in some cases, diarrhea can 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 severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions. Some people become infected with salmonella without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they can still transmit the infection to other people.
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