Human Salmonella isolates, 2017 No.9, September

The number of isolates (n=120) confirmed this month showed a decrease in comparison to the number of isolates confirmed in September 2016 (n=98). Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 56 variant and Bovismorbificans (2% and 9.1% in September 2016 vs 9.2% in September 2017). Uncommon Salmonella serotype confirmed this month was Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 3 (2 human isolates since it was first confirmed in New Zealand in 1996). Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 8a and Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 35 (recent travel to Australia and Papa New Guinea) were confirmed for the first time in New Zealand this month.

Outbreak of Salmonella Paratyphi A in Hawke’s Bay linked to non-commercially gathered mussels collected from Napier/Ahuriri harbor – update (Source: EpiSurv, HBDHB, ARPHS, ESR Public Health Laboratory)

• Hawke’s Bay PHU is investigating an outbreak of S. Paratyphi A (Ciprofloxacin sensitive) linked to non-commercially gathered shellfish from Napier/Ahuriri harbour.

• The number of confirmed cases remains at 10 (including one from Auckland), no change from last week. There are 4 probable cases and 3 are currently under investigation.
• The onset date for the most recent confirmed case is 25 September 2017.
• Mussels from 5 locations around Ahuriri harbour collected on the weekend of 23/24^th September showed faecal contamination (presence of E. coli, norovirus (GI and GII) and Salmonella Typhimurium). Further testing will be conducted on mussels and water from the affected areas to determine if there is an ongoing contamination issue in the area.