ONE Brit has died and more than 200 have been sickened in a salmonella outbreak, thought to be linked to contaminated eggs.
UK health officials detected a surge of food poisoning cases at the end of May, all of which were caused by a single strain of the bug – suggesting a common source of infection.
As of August 13, the UK Health Security Agency said it had detected 207 cases, including one death Credit: Getty
As of August 13, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it had detected 207 cases, including one death.
The agency believes it “may be linked to eggs imported from outside of the UK”.
Sign up for the Health newsletter
Thank you!
The nasty bug usually causes a fever, sickness and diarrhoea that clears up in days. However, it can be fatal.
More than a third of people affected (38 per cent) in the outbreak were admitted to hospital, with two people developing potentially life-threatening blood stream infections, the UKHSA added.
struck down
Instant noodles behind salmonella outbreak hitting children as dozens in UK ill
SICK OF IT
Cases of deadly food poisoning bug hit decade high – 6 ways to protect yourself
Of the 207 cases, 199 live in England, six are in Scotland, one lives in Wales and one is in Northern Ireland.
The regions in England with the highest number of cases are London, where 47 cases were confirmed, and Yorkshire and Humber (38).
People affected include babies and people as old as 90.
Salmonella infections are typically caught by eating contaminated food, including poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruit and vegetables, as well as unpasteurised milk products.
Infection can also occur through close contact with infected people and by cross-contamination in the kitchen, for example when utensils are used for both cooked and uncooked foods.
The UKHSA today said it wanted people to take precautionary measures against catching the bacteria, which it said are common causes of food poisoning.
Hannah Charles, Lead Epidemiologist, Gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA, said: “We’re working with Food Standards Agency and other public health agencies to investigate a Salmonella outbreak that may be linked to eggs imported from outside of the UK.
“Salmonellosis is often caused by eating or handling contaminated food and can be spread rarely from person-to-person.
“Salmonella generally causes a mild illness, although vulnerable groups with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness.
“Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and sometimes vomiting and fever.
“Anyone who is concerned about symptoms should contact their GP or out of hours service in the first instance.
“There are simple steps to prevent the spread of Salmonella – wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing and handling food, cook food thoroughly, and if you have any symptoms, avoid handling food for others where possible.”
Of the 207 cases, 114 have undertaken surveys that identified five different food businesses.
“Food chain investigations to date have identified that these premises are supplied by eggs from multiple sources, including egg importers,” the UKHSA said.
“Local investigations have also identified possible cross-contamination risk events within two of these settings.
“At this time there is no identified link to UK-produced eggs or poultry.”
On average, it takes from 12 to 72 hours for the symptoms to develop after swallowing an infectious dose of salmonella.
They usually last for four to seven days and most people recover without treatment.
But if you become seriously ill, you may need hospital care because the dehydration caused by the illness can be life-threatening.
