Health

Is Climate Change Fueling the Spread of Salmonella? Researchers Point Out Worrying Trend

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Climate change is making it easier for Salmonella to spread, increasing the risk of foodborne illness, according to new research from the University of Surrey. The study found that changing weather conditions, including warmer temperatures and higher humidity, were linked to outbreaks of the dangerous disease.

“The study highlights how weather plays a significant role in Salmonella outbreaks and provides a valuable tool for predicting future risks and tailoring interventions, particularly in the context of climate change,” said Dr. Laura Gonzalez Villeta, lead author of the study.

Salmonella, a bacteria found in the intestines of animals and humans, can cause symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps and is a leading cause of foodborne illness in Europe.

Researchers analyzed 16 years of data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and compared it with more than a dozen weather factors from the UK’s Met Office. They found that temperatures above 50°F, higher humidity, and daylight hours lasting from 12-15 hours increased the risk of Salmonella infections.

“The model we used shows promise, as the findings were replicated across England, Wales and, independently, in the Netherlands” said Dr. Giovanni Lo Iacono, Senior Lecturer in Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of Surrey.

With climate change driving more extreme weather, researchers say tracking these risk factors could help predict future outbreaks and improve public health responses.

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