Salmonella outbreak hits doctors at Mexican hospital

More than 130 doctors in Mexico City fell ill from a salmonella outbreak in their hospital cafeteria in August, authorities and patients reported on Monday. Dozens of doctors protested outside the Eduardo Liceaga Hospital, located in the city's central area. One anonymous affected individual stated that the bacteria likely came from breakfast on August 31, and by the following night, almost all of them were sick.

The hospital acknowledged the outbreak on August 31 following a sudden surge in gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Health Secretary David Kershenobich confirmed that 135 resident physicians were affected, with 41 requiring hospitalization, though he claimed only 135 cases in total, and all patients were reported in good condition.

However, doctors at the protest and those speaking to AFP claimed the actual number was 227, with 67 people hospitalized, including 15 in intensive care. The hospital has a cafeteria exclusively for resident physicians and specialists, so the spread of the outbreak was contained. Kershenobich promised an investigation and vowed to review food service conditions at federal health institutions.