In May 2024, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) experienced one of the largest floods in its history, with an increase in gastrointestinal infections. This study aimed to present the prevalence of community-acquired non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica identified in a high-complexity private hospital. Cross-sectional observational study using microbiological data from the Infection Control Service. All cultures with identification of non-typhoidal S. enterica from 2022 to May 2025 were evaluated regarding origin (community-acquired versus nosocomial). Identification was performed using MALDI-TOF. In addition to conventional cultures, diagnoses by multiplex real-time PCR (FilmArray) for gastroenteritis were also assessed. Data were compared with relevant environmental events and scientific literature on outbreaks following floods. From 2022 to April 2024, 28 clinical cultures with community-acquired non-typhoidal S. enterica were observed (mean of 1 case/month). During this period, identifications occurred in stool cultures (17/1,182) and urine cultures (9/51,058), with two cases from blood cultures (2/37,025) and none from molecular panels (0/129). From May 2024, a sustained increase in community-acquired non-typhoidal S. enterica was observed. Between May and December 2024, 39 positive cultures (4.9 cases/month) were identified: stool cultures (19/388), gastrointestinal molecular panels (11/75), blood cultures (5/4,896) and urine cultures (6/7,470); two cases were identified by more than one method. In 2025, 27 community-acquired cases (5.4 cases/month) have already been identified: stool cultures (14/307), molecular panels (8/44), blood cultures (2/6,225) and urine cultures (4/9,308), with one case detected by more than one method. Overall, 70% (66/94) of cases were identified by stool culture or gastrointestinal molecular panel. Discussion/ A significant and sustained increase in microbiologically confirmed community-acquired non-typhoidal S. enterica cases has been observed since the May 2024 flood in Rio Grande do Sul. The increased incidence remains ongoing in 2025.
Inocente et al. (Sun,) studied this question.