Climate's Hidden Culprit: Weather's Role in Salmonella Spread Unveiled

Research from the University of Surrey reveals that climate change affects Salmonella transmission. The study links various weather factors to increased cases, offering insights into predicting risks. Validated by data from England, Wales, and the Netherlands, it highlights the need for tailored interventions amid evolving climate conditions.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of Surrey have uncovered compelling evidence linking climate change to the spread of Salmonella, a significant foodborne pathogen in Europe. This research, led by the university's School of Veterinary Medicine, delves into the role of weather in exacerbating diarrhoeal diseases, building upon previous findings by the team.

Salmonella, predominantly found in animal and human intestines, can wreak havoc when food is contaminated during improper handling or cooking. Symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps, and the bacterium is especially problematic in regions lacking adequate sanitation. Published in the Journal of Infection, the study analyzes data from UKHSA and the Met Office, looking at 14 weather factors' influence on Salmonella cases in England and Wales from 2000 to 2016, offering a comprehensive perspective on this health threat.

The researchers identified critical weather elements such as temperatures above 10°C, relative humidity, dewpoint temperatures between 7-10°C, and extended daylight as contributors to increased Salmonella incidents, irrespective of the region. The findings, corroborated with data from the Netherlands, underpin the broader implications of these trends, as highlighted by the study's lead researchers, Dr. Gianni Lo Iacono and Dr. Laura Gonzalez Villeta, who emphasize the significance of understanding weather's role amid climate change.

(With inputs from agencies.)