UK salmonella cases surge to 528, imported eggs suspected, officials warn vulnerable groups
The UK Health Security Agency reported more than 50 additional salmonella cases in the past week, bringing the national tally to 528 and including two deaths. Investigations point to imported eggs as the likely source, and similar outbreaks have been identified in several European countries. Health officials advise the elderly, pregnant women, young children and other vulnerable groups to steer clear of foods containing raw or lightly cooked eggs such as mousse or hollandaise. They stress that British-produced eggs remain safe when fully cooked, and over a third of patients have required hospitalisation.
The UK Health Security Agency announced that over 50 new salmonella infections were confirmed in the last seven days, increasing the country’s total to 528 cases and resulting in two fatalities. The rise is part of three concurrent outbreaks, which officials suspect are tied to imported eggs; similar cases have been reported in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany and the Netherlands. The agency advises people, particularly those over 65, pregnant women, children under five and other high-risk groups, to avoid raw or lightly cooked egg products such as mousse, mayonnaise or hollandaise when dining out.
Authorities note that eggs produced in the UK are vaccinated against common salmonella strains and pose no known risk if thoroughly cooked. More than one-third of those infected have required hospital treatment, highlighting the broader public-health threat of salmonella and its potential to cause severe complications like sepsis.
