UK Salmonella outbreak results in hospitalisations as 20 infected including 13 children
Officials says the illness is linked to an unusual strain which was the cause of an outbreak in 2023
Five individuals have been hospitalised and a further 20, including 13 children, have fallen ill due to an outbreak of Salmonella. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has linked the illness to an unusual strain known as Salmonella Saintpaul, which was responsible for an outbreak in 2023 where 90 people fell ill after consuming cantaloupe.
However, experts have stated that there is no evidence to suggest that melons are the cause of the current outbreak. According to the UKHSA, people began falling ill on 20 February this year, with cases reported in the North West of England, the West Midlands, the South West, and the East of England.
The East Midlands, the North East, London, and the South East each recorded a case, with two cases each in Northern Ireland and Wales and one in Scotland. Cases were reported in February and March, and the outbreak is still under investigation, reports the Mirror.
The ages of those who have fallen ill range from one to 88 years old. Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, said: "UKHSA is investigating a small outbreak of Salmonella and no cases have been identified since March 2025.
"Gastrointestinal bacteria, such as Salmonella, can be spread from person to person as well as from food, so anyone with diarrhoea or vomiting should wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and avoid handling food or preparing food for others where possible."
"Please avoid returning to work or sending unwell children to school or nursery until at least 48 hours after symptoms have cleared."
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can lead to food poisoning. It's typically found in raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, unpasteurised milk, and occasionally in fruits and vegetables that have been contaminated.
An infection with salmonella is referred to as salmonellosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
Symptoms usually appear six to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food or water and may include:
Diarrhoea (which could be bloody).
Stomach cramps.
Fever.
Nausea and vomiting.
Headache.
Muscle aches.
Feeling generally unwell (malaise).
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Duration
Symptoms generally last between four to seven days. While most people recover without treatment, severe cases may necessitate medical attention, especially for the very young, elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.
Salmonella Prevention Tips
Ensure meat, particularly poultry, is cooked thoroughly.
Avoid raw or undercooked eggs.
Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils after handling raw meat.
Keep raw and cooked foods separate.
Only drink pasteurised milk and juices.
How To Prepare Food Safely To Prevent Salmonella
The NHS recommends the following food preparation advice to avoid food poisioning
Clean food preparation surfaces with detergent and warm water
Do not use the same chopping board/knife for raw meat or other foodstuffs without washing thoroughly
Defrost poultry, meat and other meat products well before cooking
Cook until the juices run clear and there are no pink bits inside
Follow manufacturers instructions
Remember cooked meat is stored at the top of the fridge and uncooked meat at the bottom
Eat cooked food immediately or cool quickly and place in fridge or freezer
Run the fridge at 5°C or below
Re-heated foods should be piping hot
Avoid drinking milk from bottles where the tops have been pecked by birds
Try to keep pets out of the kitchen
Lastly, thoroughly wash all salad vegetables
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