Egypt Health Ministry Confirms Zero Salmonella Outbreaks Amid Global Monitoring

Minister of Health Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar has confirmed that the ministry is actively monitoring both local and international health conditions through event-based epidemiological surveillance systems designed to target foodborne illnesses, with a particular focus on Salmonella. Following reported outbreaks in several countries tied to international supply chains, the ministry is currently conducting continuous risk assessments and rapid evaluations to prepare necessary precautionary measures.

Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar emphasized that monitoring global health events does not indicate any current risk within Egypt, but instead serves as a proactive early warning measure. Decision-making relies strictly on domestic data, surveillance metrics, and verified global reports rather than external cases alone.

Dr. Amr Kandil, Deputy Minister of Health, noted that the Preventive Medicine and Public Health sector tracks daily changes in infection patterns and assesses reports based on established scientific standards. He firmly confirmed that no unusual Salmonella outbreaks connected to recent international events have been recorded in Egypt.

Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar detailed specific international incidents currently under review, including over 306 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis in Belgium with zero deaths and product recalls across Belgium and Luxembourg, alongside 207 confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis and one death reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in the United Kingdom.

Dr. Radhy Hammad, Head of the Preventive Medicine and Public Health Sector, stated that countering foodborne pathogens relies heavily on swift case identification, epidemiological investigation, supply tracing, and containment. The Ministry of Health advises the public to adhere to essential food safety practices, including washing hands thoroughly, separating raw and cooked foods, cooking food completely, storing perishables properly, and purchasing items exclusively from trusted sources.