Salmonella outbreak: What we know so far
Summary
The UK Health Security Agency has declared a national outbreak of salmonella, a food poisoning caused by bacteria often found in eggs and poultry. Most cases have occurred in England, and imported eggs or egg products are currently the main suspected source of the infection.Key Facts
- One person has died and hundreds have fallen ill in the UK due to salmonella.
- Salmonella bacteria live harmlessly in animals like chickens and cattle but cause illness if their contamination spreads to humans.
- People mainly got sick from eating out at restaurants or cafes, not from home cooking.
- Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, appearing 12 to 72 hours after infection.
- Cooking eggs and food thoroughly can kill salmonella bacteria and prevent illness.
- Genetic tests show the bacteria from current cases are closely related, indicating a common source.
- Imported eggs are the likely source, with no current link to UK-produced eggs or poultry.
- Vigorous hygiene and cooking measures, as well as buying British Lion or Laid in Britain marked eggs for vulnerable groups, are advised for protection.
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