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. At least 259 people are now thought to have been sickened in the UK, up from the 207 cases reported last week, health chiefs revealed. At least 259 people are now thought to have been sickened in the UK by the salmonella outbreak Credit: Reuters 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”. Officials believe the strain salmonella enteritidis is behind the outbreak. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! It comes as European health chiefs earlier this week said there had also been more than 130 cases linked to the outbreak in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Austria and Denmark. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said it was investigating chicken products as well as eggs after a small number of patients in the Netherlands reported eating chicken meat. Experts have repeatedly warned that more cases should be expected until proper control measures are put in place. Nasty bug salmonella usually causes a fever, sickness and diarrhoea that clears up in days. However, it can be fatal among those who are more vulnerable. According to the latest UKHSA update, all 259 cases are linked to three different clusters of salmonella enteritidis. Most read in Health In the past 4 weeks, from July 27 to August 24, 189 cases have been reported in England associated with the t0.24068 cluster. Hannah Charles, lead epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “We continue to work with the Food Standards Agency and other public health agencies to investigate these Salmonella clusters in the UK. “It’s important 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, which provides a good understanding of the emergence of new outbreaks. “Our investigation to date indicates a link to imported eggs, however this investigation remains ongoing. “We will continue to follow up cases and investigate any further common sources if they come to light.” Last week, officials also warned pregnant women and under fives to avoid runny eggs when eating out over the deadly risk of salmonella. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said 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 said: “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 people 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, who 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. “If this is the case, when eating out the safest approach for vulnerable people 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. “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.” Salmonella infections are typically caught by eating contaminated food, including poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruit and vegetables, as well as unpasteurised milk products. Infection can also occur through close contact with infected people and by cross-contamination in the kitchen, for example when utensils are used for both cooked and uncooked foods. They usually last for four to seven days and most people recover without treatment. But if you become seriously ill, you may need hospital care because the dehydration caused by the illness can be life-threatening. Comment now