From January to May: Surge in salmonella and food poisoning cases

Albania’s health sector still unable to identify causes in 98% of diarrheal cases, but salmonella and food poisoning on the rise**

Albania's healthcare system still cannot identify the causes behind approximately 98% of diarrheal disorder cases, yet official data from the Institute of Public Health (ISHP) show a noticeable increase in salmonella infections and food poisoning between January and May 2025.

The data reveal that food poisoning cases, categorized as alimentary toxico-infections, remain a serious source of concern.

A total of 466 such cases were recorded during the January–May 2025 period, with the highest number in January (112 cases) and another significant increase in May (115 cases).

This type of infection is the second most common cause of diarrheal disease after gastroenteritis and is frequently linked to poor hygiene standards during the processing or storage of food, especially in shared cooking and serving facilities.

At the same time, salmonella cases, another common source of foodborne infections have also increased noticeably. From just 3 cases in January, the number climbed to 31 cases in May, bringing the five-month total to 59 cases in 2025.

This gradual rise over the months signals a deterioration in food safety controls, especially during the spring season, when the consumption of fresh food increases and outdoor activities become more frequent.

During the January–May 2025 period, Albania reported a total of 28,268 diarrheal disease cases, according to ISHP data.

The vast majority of these cases 27,716 or over 98% were classified as gastroenteritis of unknown etiology, meaning the exact cause of the illness (bacterial, viral, parasitic, or toxic) was not identified.

This overwhelming percentage of cases with unknown origin highlights significant gaps in epidemiological surveillance, particularly the lack of laboratory testing. Most cases are diagnosed and categorized solely based on general clinical symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, without further investigation.

The absence of specific cause identification makes preventive interventions more difficult, as it is unclear whether action is needed regarding water safety, food hygiene, personal cleanliness, or another specific source.

“KORÇA BOOM”