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One dead from lethal salmonella outbreak linked to batch of eggs

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the salmonella outbreak 'may be linked to eggs imported from outside of the UK', with one person dead and more than 200 cases confirmed across Britain

[Imported eggs could be the cause (stock)]

Imported eggs could be the cause (stock)(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)

One person has died and hundreds have been impacted by a food poisoning outbreak, according to health officials. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated that the salmonella outbreak "may be linked to eggs imported from outside of the UK".

There has been one fatality associated with the outbreak, confirmed the UKHSA. Salmonella typically results in a self-limiting gastroenteritis, with symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting or fever. Over a third of those affected (38%) in the outbreak were hospitalised, with two individuals developing potentially fatal bloodstream infections.

Between 11 August last year and 1 August this year, the UKHSA reported that 207 cases have been confirmed 199 in England, six in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.

The regions in England with the most cases are London, where 47 cases were confirmed, and Yorkshire and Humber (38). Those affected range from infants 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."

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