ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom has declared a nationwide outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis after one person died and more than 200 people fell ill. Health officials believe the outbreak is linked to imported eggs used in restaurants and catering businesses.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 207 laboratory-confirmed cases have been identified between August 2025 and early August 2026. The outbreak has affected people ranging from newborn babies to adults aged 90, with the overwhelming majority of infections recorded this year.
The BBC and The Guardian reported that UK health authorities have launched an extensive investigation alongside food safety agencies to trace the contaminated supply chain.
One death, dozens hospitalized
Health officials said the outbreak has proven unusually severe, with 199 cases reported in England, 6 in Scotland, and 1 each in Wales and Northern Ireland.
They further said that 38% of patients required hospital treatment, while two people developed life-threatening bloodstream infections.
According to the British media, the hardest-hit regions include London and Yorkshire and the Humber, where the largest clusters have been detected.
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Imported eggs under investigation
The UKHSA said, “The strongest evidence so far points toward eggs imported from outside the UK, particularly those supplied to cafés, restaurants and catering establishments rather than supermarkets.”
Investigators interviewed 114 patients, and 83% reported eating food prepared outside their homes in the week before falling ill.
Five food businesses were linked to multiple cases, and eleven infected people reported eating egg-based dishes at those establishments.
Health officials say the current outbreak is genetically linked to a 2025 salmonella outbreak that was also associated with imported eggs.
Precautions to take
Hannah Charles, Lead Epidemiologist for Gastrointestinal Infections at UKHSA, urged the public to follow simple food safety precautions, including washing hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing food, cooking food completely, and avoiding preparing meals for others while experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting.
Experts warn cases may be 'tip of the iceberg'
Dr Damien Tully, Associate Professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, said, “Many Salmonella infections are mild and never tested, meaning confirmed laboratory cases may represent only a fraction of the true outbreak.”
Dr Kathleen O'Reilly of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine described the hospitalization rate as unusually high.
She noted that previous research suggests fewer than 10% of salmonella patients typically require hospitalization, making the current figure of 38% particularly concerning, although it could change as more mild cases are identified.
What is salmonella?
Salmonella is one of the world's most common foodborne bacterial infections. It is usually spread through contaminated eggs, poultry, meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and fresh produce.
Common symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, vomiting, and nausea.
Symptoms typically appear six hours to six days after infection and usually resolve within a week.
However, infants, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe complications, including bloodstream infections and sepsis.