UK salmonella cases nearing 500 as egg investigations continue

The UK Health Security Agency has reported a significant increase in salmonella cases linked to eggs, with the total now reaching 474 confirmed cases. This rise includes 259 new cases reported in the past week, bringing the overall count to 474. Among these cases, two individuals have tragically lost their lives. The bacteria responsible for these illnesses are remarkably similar genetically, indicating a shared origin from a common food source.

While some of the cases date back to as early as August 2025, the majority of incidents have been recorded in recent weeks and months. Investigations are ongoing, but experts suggest that most people contracted the illness from dining out rather than cooking eggs at home. Similar cases have also been observed in several European countries, such as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

In the Netherlands, investigations have pointed towards a potential link with chicken meat instead of eggs. Salmonella can be found in various food sources like raw or undercooked poultry and eggs. Over a third of the individuals affected in the UK required hospital care, with patients ranging from infants to the elderly. Most people recover without the need for treatment.

The specific genetic clusters associated with this outbreak include t5.9411, t0.24068, and t5.9765. Currently, the majority of cases are concentrated in England, primarily in London and the Yorkshire and Humber regions. However, there have been isolated instances in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland as well. To prevent infection, it is advised to thoroughly cook food and practice proper hand hygiene.

Eggs with the British Lion mark or those produced under the Laid in Britain egg assurance scheme are considered safe. The UKHSA is working tirelessly with other partners to investigate these outbreaks, focusing on imported eggs as the possible source. The exact cause of these outbreaks remains undetermined, but links to imported eggs have been identified so far.

The UKHSA emphasizes that UK-produced eggs have not been implicated in this outbreak. Symptoms of salmonella infection include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, typically developing between 12 and 72 hours after infection. While most people recover without further assistance, older individuals, infants, and those with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of severe complications. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.