Mysterious outbreak leaves five in hospital, 20 ill, in UK

Five people have been hospitalised and 20 have fallen ill - including 13 children - after an outbreak of salmonella. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says the illness is linked to an unusual strain called salmonella saintpaul, which was the cause of an outbreak in 2023 where 90 people fell ill after eating cantaloupe.

Experts say there is no indication melons are the cause of the current outbreak. The UKHSA says people started falling ill on February 20 this year with cases in the North West of England, the West Midlands, the South West and the East of England.

The East Midlands, the North East, London, and the South East all recorded a case each with t wo cases each in Northern Ireland and Wales and one in . There were cases in February and March and the outbreak is still under investigation.

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Those falling ill have ranged from one year old to 88. Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, said: "UKHSA is investigating a small outbreak of Salmonella and no cases have been identified since March 2025.

"Gastrointestinal bacteria, such as Salmonella, can be spread from person to person as well as from food, so anyone with diarrhea 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."

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It's commonly found in raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, unpasteurised milk, and sometimes in fruits and vegetables that have been contaminated. Infection with salmonella is known as salmonellosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

Symptoms usually develop 6 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food or water and can include:

• Diarrhoea (which may be bloody)

• Stomach cramps

• Fever

• Nausea and vomiting

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Feeling generally unwell (malaise)

Duration

Symptoms typically last 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment, but severe cases may require medical attention, particularly for the very young, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.

Prevention Tips

• Cook meat, especially poultry, thoroughly.

• Avoid raw or undercooked eggs.

• Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils after handling raw meat.

• Keep raw and cooked foods separate.

• Drink only pasteurised milk and juices.