Human Salmonella Isolates, 2014 No. 9, September

The number of isolates (n=85) confirmed this month showed a decrease in comparison with September 2013 (n = 91). Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 56 variant (9.9% in September 2013, 14.1% in September 2014) and S. Brandenburg (13.2% in September 2013, 14.1% in September 2014) were the predominant serotypes confirmed this month. Uncommon Salmonella serotypes confirmed this month included: S. Livingstone (19 human isolates since 1996 when it was first confirmed in New Zealand), S. Papuana (11 human isolates since 2001 when it was first confirmed in New Zealand) and S. Typhimurium phage type 150 (21 human isolates since 1998, all cases confirmed between 1998 and 2001, with 14 of these linked to an outbreak in 2000). Salmonella Typhi phage type D6 was confirmed for the first time in New Zealand (no overseas travel reported but the case had contact with a relative from India who had typhoid fever before coming to New Zealand).