Endemic institutional salmonellosis due to lactose-fermenting Salmonella newport in Nova Scotia

Abstract

We report two outbreaks of salmonellosis due to lactose-fermenting Salmonella newport in a Halifax nursing home in August 1983 and July 1986 that we believe were related. The relative rarity of this serotype and other epidemiologic evidence suggest that the organism was endemic in the institution for at least 3 years. Persistent carriers as well as ill and convalescing patients presumably were responsible for propagation of the outbreak. We recommend adequate microbiologic follow-up of infected residents and implementation of surveillance and infection control measures for nursing homes and special care institutions.