SICK OF IT
Alert over outbreak of deadly salmonella that’s left children sick in hospital as UK’s top docs race to find source
Plus, the symptoms of Salmonella Saintpaul to look out for
AN outbreak of potentially deadly salmonella is currently under investigation in the UK.
Five people have been hospitalised and 25 have fallen ill - including 13 young children.
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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says the outbreak involves a rare type of Salmonella known as Salmonella Saintpaul.
And the last reported patient fell sick in March.
Patients struck down with the illness were aged five on average, but ranged from less than one to 88 years old.
Half of those sick were younger than five, 16 were female and nine were male.
Read more on salmonella
Salmonella is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract.
Infections are caused by bacteria found in the guts of many animals, including poultry, cattle, and pigs.
The bacteria can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food, especially raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, and unpasteurised milk.
Contact with infected animals, including pets, can also lead to infection.
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While most salmonella infections are mild and self-limiting, they can be potentially deadly, especially in certain individuals.
The severity of a salmonella infection can range from mild diarrhoea and fever to a life-threatening bloodstream infection.
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Salmonella Saintpaul is a strain of Salmonella bacteria that's uncommon in the UK.
It's been linked to outbreaks and is known to be associated with various food sources, including cantaloupe melons, jalapenos, and serrano peppers.
An outbreak in 2023 was linked to imported cantaloupe melons that affected more than 90 people.
But there's currently no evidence cantaloupe is the source of the current outbreak.
The Salmonella Saintpaul cases aren't refined to one area of the UK - 19 were reported in England, two each in Northern Ireland and Wales, and one in Scotland.
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In England, there were six cases in the North West, four in the West Midlands, three in the South West, two in the East of England, and one each in East Midlands, the North East, London, and the South East.
None of the ill people had travelled outside of the UK before getting sick.
The UKHSA says due to the high proportion of children sick and the clinical severity in some patients, investigations are ongoing to find the source of the outbreak.
Gauri Godbole, deputy director, Gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA, said: “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 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.”
Symptoms of Salmonella Saintpaul to look out for
SYMPTOMS of Salmonella Saintpaul, a specific type of Salmonella infection, are similar to general Salmonella infection.
Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhoea - This is often the most prominent symptom.
- Stomach cramps or abdominal pain -This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
- Fever - A temperature elevation is a common symptom.
- Nausea and vomiting - Some individuals experience nausea and may also vomit.
- Chills -This can be associated with fever.
- Headache - Some individuals may experience headaches.
- Blood in the stool - In some cases, blood can be present in the stool.
Salmonella symptoms typically last for four to seven days, and most people recover without needing specific treatment.
You should see a doctor for salmonella symptoms if your symptoms are severe, prolonged, or you are at increased risk of complications.
This includes infants, young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
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