Outbreak of deadly food bug linked to fruit puts five in hospital
Outbreak of deadly food bug linked to fruit puts five in hospital
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating a small outbreak of a rare type of Salmonella, which has led to 25 cases across the UK, including two in Wales
Five people have been hospitalised due to a food bug outbreak
(Image: InYourArea )
Health officials have raised the alarm over an outbreak of potentially lethal salmonella, with cases confirmed in Wales. Five individuals have been admitted to hospital across the UK and at least 20, including 13 young children, have fallen ill due to a rare variant of the diarrhoea-inducing bacteria.
The cases were not limited to a specific region of the UK, but rather reported nationwide, according to UK health and safety regulators. However, authorities are still working to identify the source of the outbreak, according to Mail Online.
In the past, this strain, known as salmonella saintpaul, was associated with an outbreak in 2023 involving imported cantaloupe melons which affected more than 90 people. Yet, there is no evidence thus far that cantaloupe is the cause of the current outbreak, officials stated. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here .
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that infects the gut of farm animals, typically affecting meat, eggs and poultry. This unpleasant bug usually causes sickness and a fever that subsides within days. However, it can be deadly.
On average, symptoms develop between 12 to 72 hours after ingesting an infectious dose of salmonella. If individuals become severely ill, they may require hospital treatment as the dehydration caused by the illness can be life-threatening.
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Of the 25 cases, all fell ill between February 20 and March 4, six were recorded in the North West of England, four in the West Midlands, three in the South West and two in the East of England.
The East Midlands, the North East, London, and the South East each reported one case. Two cases have been confirmed in both Wales Northern Ireland, as well as one in Scotland. The patients affected by the illness were on average 5 years old, but ages ranged from 1 to 88. Sixteen of the patients were female and nine were male.
Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), stated: "UKHSA is investigating a small outbreak of Salmonella and no cases have been identified since March 2025.
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"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 toilet and avoid handling food or preparing food for others where possible.
"Please refrain from returning to work or sending unwell children to school or nursery until at least 48 hours after symptoms have cleared."
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