Salmonella Outbreak: What We Know So Far
BBC News
Image source: Getty Images
By Smitha Mundasd, Health Reporter
Published 44 minutes ago
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has declared a national outbreak of salmonella food poisoning, following one death and hundreds of illnesses. While the cause hasn’t been conclusively proven, imported eggs or products containing them are the leading suspects.
What is Salmonella and How Do You Catch It?
Salmonella are bacteria that naturally reside in the digestive tracts of animals like cattle, pigs, and chickens. They are primarily spread through animal feces. You can contract the infection by:
- Eating contaminated food that hasn’t been properly cooked
- Drinking contaminated water
- Coming into contact with infected animals
- Cross-contamination from mixing raw and cooked food
Symptoms and Risk Groups
Symptoms typically appear 12 to 72 hours after exposure and include:
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
Most people recover without medical intervention, but older adults, babies, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness. Hospital care with fluids and, sometimes, antibiotics is recommended for severe cases.
Where is the Outbreak Happening?
The majority of cases (199 out of 207) have been in England, with hotspots in London and Yorkshire and Humber. There have been six cases in Scotland, one in Wales, and one in Northern Ireland. Genetic fingerprinting indicates the bugs are all closely related, suggesting a common source.
Imported Eggs as a Likely Source
Genetic testing has revealed similarities between the current outbreak and a previous one linked to imported eggs. Of 114 people questioned, 24 had connections to five businesses serving dishes containing eggs. This, coupled with the lack of a link to UK-produced eggs, points to imported eggs as a "strongest signal" clue.
Which Eggs to Buy?
Jacquelyn McCormick, head of incidents at the UKHSA, emphasizes that thoroughly cooked eggs handled hygienically should not pose a food safety risk. The standard advice remains unchanged for consumers.
