Salmonella outbreak: What we know so far
The UK Health Security Agency has declared a national salmonella outbreak that has resulted in one death and hundreds of illnesses. Health officials suspect imported eggs or contaminated food services are the primary sources of the infection.
Why it matters
Public health outbreaks require immediate consumer awareness regarding food safety and hygiene to prevent further spread of the bacteria.
Image source, Getty Images By Smitha Mundasd Health reporter Published 12 minutes ago 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.
Although not yet proven, imported eggs or products containing them are the leading suspects as to the cause.
Evidence also 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.
But there is still a lot to be discovered.
What do we know and what questions remain?
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.
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