One dead and hundreds fall ill in food poisoning outbreak 'possibly linked to eggs'

One person has died and hundreds more have fallen ill following 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 confirmed there has been one death associated with the outbreak. Salmonella typically causes a self-limiting gastroenteritis, with sufferers experiencing symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever.

More than a third of those affected (38%) required hospital admission, with two individuals developing potentially life-threatening blood stream infections.

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

London recorded the highest number of cases in England with 47 confirmed, followed closely by Yorkshire and Humber with 38, reports North Wales Live.

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."

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