UK Declares National Outbreak as Salmonella Infections Spread

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has recently declared a national outbreak, external of salmonella food poisoning after one person died and hundreds more fell ill with the bug.

Key Symptoms and Causes Revealed

Salmonella are a family of bacteria that typically live harmlessly in the digestive tract of animals including cattle, pigs and chicken - which is why eggs and poultry are among foods commonly associated with the infection.

evidence suggests people caught the bug while eating out, rather than at home - with catering and food services such as restaurants or cafes likely to play a part.

High-Risk Groups Warned of Increased Severity

In most cases people recover without further help but older people, babies and people with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk of severe disease.

Hospital care with fluids and sometimes antibiotics can help in these cases.

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Anyone who is concerned should contact their GP or out of hours service in the first instance.

The majority of cases recently - 199 of the 207 - have been in England, including 47 in London and 38 in Yorkshire and Humber.

There have been six cases in Scotland, one in Wales and another in Northern Ireland.

Public health experts are urging increased vigilance in restaurants, cafes and homes to prevent further spread of the outbreak.