Salmonella ‘superstrain’ fears as cases likely ‘tip of the iceberg’ and 38% in hospital – how to tell if eggs are safe

A SALMONELLA outbreak that has killed one and sickened over 200 may only be the “tip of the iceberg” as case numbers are expected to rise. Experts have warned that the true number of salmonella cases is likely to be much higher than the numbers currently reported. A salmonella outbreak in the UK that has killed one and sickened over 200 is likely to see case numbers rise Credit: Getty The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed on Tuesday that one Brit had died and 207 have been sickened in a salmonella outbreak thought to be linked to contaminated eggs imported from outside the UK. More than a third of people (38 per cent) affected in the outbreak have been admitted to hospital, with two people developing potentially life-threatening blood stream infections. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! But health experts have flagged that this rate of hospitalisation is particularly worrying. Dr Kathleen O’Reilly, Associate Professor, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: “Previous research has estimated that less than 10 per cent of salmonella cases require hospitalisation, so it seems initially concerning that 38 per cent in this outbreak have been admitted to hospital.” And of course, as the outbreak continues, it is possible that this number increases. Another expert has said that this is a “sizeable outbreak” that is only likely to get worse. Dr Damien Tully, Associate Professor at the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, said: “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.” Most read in Health Salmonella is a group of bacteria that cause infection, and in the UK, this is typically food poisoning or gastroenteritis. The bug tends to be caught by eating contaminated food including poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruit and vegetables, as well as unpasteurised milk products. It usually causes symptoms such as a fever, sickness and diarrhoea that should clear up in a few days, but it can lead to dehydration, which can be fatal if left untreated. The current outbreak is being investigated by UKHSA and the Food Standards Agency (FSA), along with other partners, and has been identified as the Salmonella Enteritidis strain. The outbreak has been monitored since May – with investigations still ongoing – and genomic sequencing has been used to confirm the over 200 cases are linked. Dr Aiden Taylor, microbiologist at the University of Reading, said: “While Salmonella infections occur every year in the UK, outbreaks linked to a single food source that result in hundreds of illnesses and a reported death are relatively unusual and are understandably a cause for concern.” The outbreak is thought to be linked to contaminated eggs imported from outside the UK Credit: Getty What to know about Salmonella Salmonella is a group of bacteria that cause infection, typically food poisoning or gastroenteritis in the UK. The five typical symptoms of the illness are: Diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody Stomach cramps Feeling sick (having nausea) and being sick (vomiting) A high temperature (fever) Headache These symptoms tend to come on within 12-36 hours of eating contaminated food or being in contact with an infected animal. Most cases are mild and improve within 4-7 days without specific treatment. When should you seek medical advice for kids? If your child is under the age of 6 months If your child has an underlying medical condition (for example, heart or kidney problems, diabetes, history of premature birth) If your child has a high temperature (fever) If you suspect a lack of fluid in the body (dehydration) is developing If your child appears drowsy or confused If your child is being sick (vomiting) and is unable to keep fluids down If there is blood in their diarrhoea or vomit If your child has severe tummy pain Infections caught abroad If your child has severe symptoms, or if you feel that their condition is getting worse If your child’s symptoms are not settling (for example, vomiting for more than 1-2 days, or diarrhoea that does not start to settle after 3-4 days) If there are any other symptoms that you are concerned about. When should you seek medical advice for adults? If you suspect that you are becoming dehydrated If you are vomiting a lot and unable to keep fluids down If you have blood in your diarrhoea or your vomit If you have severe abdominal pain If you have severe symptoms, or if you feel that your condition is becoming worse If you have a persisting high fever If your symptoms are not settling; for example, vomiting for more than 1-2 days, or diarrhoea that does not start to settle after 3-4 days Infections caught abroad If you are elderly or have an underlying health problem If you have a weakened immune system because of, for example, chemotherapy treatment If you are pregnant If your job involves preparing food for other people If there are any other symptoms that you are concerned about Source: Patient Info Nevertheless, Dr Safi Rehman, Research Associate, King’s College London, said that the strain responsible is the “most common cause of salmonella infection in England“, as well as one of the most common worldwide. He also explained that this isn’t an isolated incident, as the outbreak is “closely related” to one from 2025 that was also linked to imported eggs. It is important to note that at the moment, there is no evidence that eggs from the UK are affected by the outbreak. In the current outbreak, 114 of the 207 cases have undertaken food surveys that identified different food businesses. Hannah Charles, lead epidemiologist, gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA, said: “Food chain investigations to date have identified that these premises are supplied by eggs from multiple sources, including egg importers,” the UKHSA said. “At this time there is no identified link to UK-produced eggs or poultry.” So, how can you know if the eggs you buy are safe to eat? The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said their advice around eating eggs has not changed and remains the same. Jacquelyn McCormick, head of incidents at the FSA said that eggs which are “thoroughly cooked and handled hygienically” should not present a food safety risk. She said: “Infants, young children, pregnant people and older adults should only eat runny or raw eggs if they have a British Lion mark or are produced under the Laid in Britain egg assurance scheme.” Ms McCormick stressed, however, that this advice does not apply to those who are severely immunocompromised and require medically supervised diets. “We continue to advise people who are handling eggs, eggshells or egg packaging to always wash their hands thoroughly with warm water and soap and dry them properly afterwards,” she said. Experts have stressed that eggs should be handled hygienically and thoroughly cooked before eating Credit: Getty Advice has also stated that all poultry and meat should be thoroughly cooked before eating Credit: Getty Dr O’Reilly also said that making sure eggs are fully cooked before eating is best. “If an omelette is still runny, cook it for longer to kill off any bacteria if they are present,” she added. Most cases of salmonella are mild, but some groups of people – such as young children and pregnant women – are more likely to suffer from severe symptoms. The main symptoms are diarrhoea – which can sometimes be bloody – stomach cramps, feeling sick or being sick, having a fever and a headache. These tend to come on within 12 to 36 hours of eating contaminated food or being in contact with an infected animal. In most people, symptoms are relatively mild and should improve within four to seven days with no treatment required. But if you become seriously ill, you may need hospital care as dehydration from symptoms of the infection can be fatal unless treated quickly. Dr Taylor has reassured Brits, however, that there are “straightforward ways” that people can protect themselves from the illness. Good food hygiene, such as washing your hands before and after preparing food, as well as cleaning kitchen surfaces and utensils once used is essential. Make sure that foods like eggs, poultry and meat are thoroughly cooked through before eating. And of course, follow any official advice issued about the outbreak, as this can help to reduce risk of the spread. Comment now