Deadly salmonella outbreak now linked to chicken as it spreads to 7 countries
Seven countries are now reporting cases of a potentially deadly Salmonella outbreak, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggesting it may be linked to chicken products, including eggs and meat.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has said that more than 130 cases of the illness have been officially logged in European countries.
This includes two cases in Austria, one in Denmark, 15 cases in Belgium, and four in France.
Six reports have been made in Germany, a whopping 106 in the Netherlands, and at least 207 people in the UK are understood to be sick and exhibiting symptoms including high fever and stomach cramps, according to the ECDC reportand UKHSA data.
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This includes 199 cases in England, six in Scotland, and one in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Regions with the highest number of cases are London (47) and Yorkshire and Humber (38).
A total of 34 people across all seven countries have been hospitalised; two in the UK were treated for a bloodstream infection. One death has been confirmed.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) warns that the infection could prove deadly to vulnerable groups, including young children (under 5s), pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions.
Experts believe the bug may be linked to non-British eggs imported into the country.
They are also investigating other chicken products, including chicken meat, after a small number of patients in the Netherlands reported eating it, as per The Sun.
“The exact cause has not yet been identified, however investigations so far have identified links to eggs imported from outside the UK, mainly used by food service and catering establishments such as restaurants or cafes, as a potential source,” stated Jacquelyn McCormick, head of incidents at the FSA.
She continued, adding that there is ‘no evidence’ linking the outbreak to UK-produced eggs.
Those most at risk of Salmonella’s side-effects have been advised by health officials to avoid eating runny eggs while eating out and to steer clear of freshly-made products that could contain uncooked eggs like mayonnaise.
Will Raw, chair of the National Farmers’ Union poultry board, has expressed how concerning it is that foods ‘produced to standards that would be illegal in the UK’ are possibly still being allowed into the market.
“This simply cannot be allowed to continue,” he continued.
“Government must ensure at a minimum that adequate checks are being conducted on imports to ensure all food coming into the country is safe and introduce a robust system of core production standards that applies equally to domestic and imported food.”
Salmonella symptoms to watch out for
Salmonella Enteritidis, the most common form of foodborne illness in England, is usually spread by consuming contaminated food, such as eggs, unpasteurised dairy, and fresh produce.
Common symptoms associated with infection include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever, as per a UKHSA notice.
While most people will suffer and recover quickly from the from self-limiting gastroenteritis, vulnerable individuals, pregnant people, and children may experience more severe illnesses.
These can include, but are not limited to, bloodstream infections, infection of metastatic sites, sepsis and multiorgan failure, the report stated.
Hannah Charles, lead epidemiologist of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, said: “We’re working with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and other public health agencies to investigate a Salmonella outbreak that may be linked to eggs imported from outside the UK.
“Salmonellosis is often caused by eating or handling contaminated food and can be spread rarely from person-to-person.
“Anyone who is concerned about symptoms should contact their GP or out of hours service in the first instance,” she added.
Ella Scott