Dozens more Brits struck down by deadly salmonella outbreak – after imported eggs blamed and 7 countries report cases

ANOTHER 50 Brits have been struck down by the deadly salmonella outbreak that has already killed one.

Key points

• Previously 4 weeks, from July 27 to August 24, 189 cases have been documented in England associated with the t0.24068 cluster.
• Professor Ian Young, chief scientific adviser for the Food Standards Agency, today remarked: Investigations so far have identified links to imported eggs.
• At least 259 individuals are now thought to have been sickened in the UK, up from the 207 cases noted last week, health chiefs made public.
• In England, all Salmonella samples from patients presenting to hospitals or primary care undergo Whole Genome Sequencing.
• According to the latest UKHSA update, all 259 cases are linked to three different clusters of salmonella enteritidis.

In the update, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) blamed eggs "imported from the UK to abroad" with cases so far, linked to eating out "from small cafes, restaurants and takeaway businesses". Authorities believe the strain salmonella enteritidis is behind the outbreak.

It comes as European health chiefs earlier this week remarked there had additionally been more than 130 cases linked to the outbreak in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Austria and Denmark.

Meanwhile, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) remarked it was investigating chicken products as well as eggs after a small number of patients in the Netherlands noted eating chicken meat.

Experts have repeatedly cautioned that more cases should be anticipated until proper control measures are put in place.

Nasty bug salmonella usually causes a fever, sickness and diarrhoea that clears up in days. Nevertheless, it can be fatal among those who are more vulnerable.

Hannah Charles, lead epidemiologist at UKHSA, remarked: We continue to work with the Food Standards Agency and other public health agencies to investigate these Salmonella clusters in the UK.

It's significant to emphasise that the overall risk to the general public remains low.

In England, all Salmonella samples from patients presenting to hospitals or primary care undergo Whole Genome Sequencing. It provides a good understanding of the emergence of new outbreaks.

Our investigation to date indicates a link to imported eggs, nevertheless this investigation remains ongoing.

"We will continue to follow up cases and investigate any further common sources if they come to light."

Last week, authorities additionally cautioned pregnant women and under fives to avoid runny eggs when eating out over the deadly risk of salmonella.

Notably, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) remarked vulnerable groups, including under fives, over 65s, pregnant women and those with health conditions should avoid them as well as freshly-made products that could contain uncooked eggs, such as mayonnaise, souffle and hollandaise sauce.

Professor Ian Young, chief scientific adviser for the Food Standards Agency, today remarked: Investigations so far have identified links to imported eggs. There is no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected.

Our food safety advice remains the same – eggs that are thoroughly cooked and handled hygienically should not present a food safety risk.

Infants, young children, pregnant individuals and older adults should only eat raw or lightly cooked eggs if they carry the British Lion mark or are produced under the Laid in Britain scheme.

This advice does not apply to those who are severely immunocompromised and require medically supervised diets. This person should continue to follow individual medical advice.

If you're eating out or buying food that contains eggs, you may not know if these carry the British Lion mark or are Laid in Britain assured.

When eating out the safest approach for vulnerable individuals is to ensure they're thoroughly cooked and to avoid dishes containing raw or lightly cooked egg, such as mousses, fresh mayonnaise or hollandaise sauce, "If this is the case. "As with any foodborne illness, good hygiene remains your best protection.

"Store and cook food according to the packet instructions, wash your hands thoroughly before handling food and always after handling raw meat, poultry and eggs."

As well as unpasteurised milk products, salmonella infections are typically caught by eating contaminated food, including poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruit and vegetables.

Infection can additionally occur through close contact with infected residents and by cross-contamination in the kitchen, for example when utensils are applied for both cooked and uncooked foods.

They usually last for four to seven days and most individuals recover without treatment.

But if you become seriously ill, you may need hospital care since the dehydration caused by the illness can be life-threatening.

Taken together, the developments around dozens more Brits struck down by deadly salmonella outbreak – after imported point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.