Salmonella cases in the UK are expected to continue rising until the common source of a current outbreak is identified, according to experts. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported 474 confirmed cases and one death linked to the outbreak.
Latest investigations suggest an association with consuming imported eggs in cafes and restaurants. Professor Paul Wigley of the University of Bristol noted that imported eggs are commonly used in catering due to being cheaper than UK Lion Mark eggs, potentially ending up in schools, nursing homes, cafes, restaurants, and takeaways.
Tracing the origin of such an outbreak, particularly within the food service sector, is described as notoriously difficult. Professor Chris Elliott of Queen’s University Belfast stated that identifying the source could take weeks, and numbers are expected to rise until the country of production can be tracked.
Professor Brad Spiller of Cardiff University highlighted the common source link as a particularly concerning aspect. Professor Mark Stevens of the University of Edinburgh added that the simultaneous occurrence of cases makes this outbreak unusual compared to the typically more spread-out salmonella cases across the UK.