The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a salmonella outbreak that may be linked to eggs imported from outside the UK. More than a third of those affected have been admitted to hospital, and one person has died. Two people have developed potentially life-threatening bloodstream infections.
Investigation and Symptoms
UKHSA is working with the Food Standards Agency and other public health agencies to investigate the outbreak. Symptoms typically begin within a few hours or days of eating contaminated food, though some can take weeks to appear. According to the NHS, symptoms include feeling sick or being sick, diarrhoea, stomach pain, high temperature, and feeling generally unwell.
Most people recover at home within a week, but the NHS advises drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Paracetamol can be taken for discomfort, but children under 12 should not be given medicine to stop diarrhoea.
Expert Warnings
Hannah Charles, lead epidemiologist for 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.” She added that salmonella is often caused by eating or handling contaminated food and can rarely spread from person to person.
Dr Damien Tully, associate professor at the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, warned that the number of confirmed cases is likely to be “just the tip of the iceberg.” Many infections go unreported because people recover without being tested.
To prevent spread, UKHSA advises thorough hand washing after using the bathroom and before preparing food. Anyone with symptoms should avoid handling food for others and contact their GP or out-of-hours service.
