Human Salmonella isolates, 2018 No.10, October

The number of isolates (n=95) confirmed this month showed a decrease in comparison to the number of isolates confirmed in October 2017 (n=112). Salmonella Bovismorbificans (11.6% in October 2018 vs 8.9% in October 2017) was the most common serotype confirmed this month. Uncommon Salmonella serotypes confirmed this month were S. Enteritidis phage type 34b (2 human isolates since it was first confirmed in New Zealand in 2003) and S. Muenster (11 human isolates since it was first confirmed in New Zealand in 1994). Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 50 was confirmed for the first time in New Zealand this month; the case had recently travelled to China.