One person has died and hundreds more have fallen ill as a result of a food poisoning outbreak, health officials have confirmed. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that the salmonella outbreak “may be linked to eggs imported from outside of the UK”.
The UKHSA has confirmed one fatality associated with the outbreak. Salmonella typically causes a self-limiting gastroenteritis, with symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting or fever.
More than a third of those affected (38%) required hospital admission, with two individuals developing potentially life-threatening bloodstream infections.
The UKHSA has confirmed that between August 11 last year and August 1 this year, 207 cases have been recorded – 199 in England, six in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland, reports North Wales Live.
The areas of England with the greatest number of cases are London, where 47 cases were confirmed, and Yorkshire and Humber (38).
Those affected range from babies to individuals as old as 90, according to the UKHSA.
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.
“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.”
Sign up for the Cambridgeshire Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login