MEC slams fears of salmonella outbreak

KZN Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has dispelled reports of a salmonella outbreak in the province and said this matter has to do with poorly prepared food.

This was revealed at a press briefing on Monday, following reports of people being treated for food poisoning.

According to reports in the Highway area, four children attending a Cowies Hill creche were confirmed, by doctors, to have salmonellosis.

And seven people who attended a private lunch spent almost a week at Hillcrest Private Hospital after eating a dessert made with egg.

ALSO READ: No Salmonella outbreak: KZN Health MEC

Cowies Hill’s Huggy Bear Educare owner, Anne Westermeyer said four out of eight children tested positive.

“The other four were negative. We called in the health department and contacted doctors, paediatricians and other schools immediately and we decided to close the school for five days,” said Westermeyer.

Dhlomo said there has been an outbreak of food poisoning, and the source was identified at a specific restaurant.

The seven people who were affected by this type of food poisoning were treated at a private hospital.

He said that based on information obtained from the persons who became ill, and having considered the symptoms, incubation period, and type of meals consumed, it is most likely that this was due to salmonella, which may have been present in the raw eggs used to make hollandaise sauce.

“We wish to categorically state that there is no outbreak of salmonella in the province.”

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