UK health authorities have urged anyone experiencing symptoms of salmonella to seek advice from their GP, as hundreds of people have fallen ill and one person has died following an outbreak spreading across the country. Officials have warned that the outbreak may be connected to eggs imported from abroad, with more than a third of those affected having been hospitalised, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). 47 cases have been confirmed in London so far, with two UK cases developing potentially life-threatening bloodstream infections.
Symptoms of salmonella infection
Symptoms typically emerge within a few hours or days of consuming contaminated food, though in some cases they may not appear for several weeks. According to the NHS, symptoms include: feeling sick or being sick, diarrhoea, stomach pain, high temperature, and feeling generally unwell. In most cases, food poisoning can be treated at home, with symptoms generally improving within a week. The NHS stresses that drinking plenty of water and replacing lost fluids is the most crucial step in avoiding dehydration, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Authorities also recommend taking paracetamol to ease discomfort, while advising that the leaflet should be consulted before administering it to children. Parents are cautioned against giving anti-diarrhoea medication to children under 12.
UKHSA investigation and expert warning
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." She added: "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."
Dr Damien Tully has cautioned that actual case numbers may exceed those officially documented. The associate professor at the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, explained: "This is a sizeable outbreak, but the number of confirmed cases is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg. Many salmonella infections cause relatively short-lived gastrointestinal illness and people may recover without ever being tested, meaning the true number of infections associated with an outbreak can be considerably higher than the number identified through laboratory surveillance."
How to avoid catching and spreading salmonella
It is believed that the current outbreak originated in eggs imported from abroad. UK-produced eggs are not believed to be affected so far, so it is advisable to check you are consuming eggs of UK origin by looking for the red 'British Lion' stamp. This stamp guarantees that hens are vaccinated against salmonella and conditions meet strict food safety standards. It is also advisable to wash your hands with soap and water after handling eggs, and make sure you are cooking them thoroughly before consuming.
Ms Charles also recommended measures to prevent salmonella transmission, including washing hands thoroughly after visiting the toilet and preparing meals. Those experiencing symptoms should also avoid handling food for others wherever feasible.
