UK health officials are investigating a growing outbreak of salmonella infections, with imported eggs and foods containing them considered the main suspected source.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says more people have fallen ill in recent weeks and the majority of cases have been reported in England, including London, Yorkshire and the Humber. Cases have also been recorded in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Evidence suggests that many people may have been infected while eating outside their homes and not through food prepared at home. Therefore, restaurants, cafes, takeaways and other catering businesses are being investigated.
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that commonly live in the digestive systems of animals, including chickens, cattle, and pigs. People can become infected by eating contaminated food that has not been cooked properly, drinking contaminated water, coming into contact with infected animals, or by cross-contamination when preparing food.
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Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever. They usually appear between 12 and 72 hours after infection.
Most people recover without medical treatment, but the infection can be more serious in infants, older people, and people with weakened immune systems. Severe cases may require hospital treatment, including fluids and sometimes antibiotics.
Health officials say thoroughly cooking eggs and other foods can help prevent infections. People are also recommended to wash their hands before preparing food, after using the bathroom, and after handling animals.
Scientists have used whole genome sequencing to analyze bacteria from infected people. Testing found the strains are closely related, suggesting the cases are connected to a common source.
Investigators have identified links to five businesses or food establishments, although the establishments have not been named. Some people infected with salmonella reported eating dishes containing eggs in these locations.
Investigators believe some of the companies may have been using eggs from multiple suppliers, including imported sources. However, the UKHSA says no link to eggs or poultry produced in the UK has currently been identified.
The Food Standards Agency has published guidance for caterers on the safe storage and handling of eggs.
Experts say consumers can continue to safely eat eggs when they are cooked properly and handled hygienically. It is recommended that babies, young children, pregnant women and older adults eat raw or liquid eggs only if they are marked by the British Lion or produced under the Laid in Britain guarantee scheme.
The UK has several measures designed to reduce salmonella in eggs. Commercial chickens have been vaccinated against common strains of salmonella since the mid-1990s, while the British Lion Scheme requires participating suppliers to follow strict rules covering vaccination, testing and traceability.
Despite these safeguards, the UK imports a large quantity of eggs and egg products, meaning contaminated products could still enter the food supply.
Health officials have not yet confirmed the exact source of the current outbreak. Investigators continue to interview infected people and conduct tests on companies that could be involved.
Authorities will also examine the broader supply chain, including where the eggs were produced, stored, supplied and consumed. They will have to trace the country of origin and determine if different suppliers contributed to the outbreak.
The UKHSA has alerted other countries so they can check for genetically similar salmonella infections.
(BBC News)
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