Overview
- The UK Health Security Agency reported on 25 August that 259 confirmed cases and one death are linked to the t5.9411 Salmonella Enteritidis cluster.
- Public agencies have identified two other related genetic clusters with rising case counts: 177 cases in t0.24068 and 38 cases with one death in t5.9765.
- Epidemiology and food histories point to eggs imported for use in cafés, restaurants and takeaways as a likely common exposure, while the Food Standards Agency says there is no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected.
- More than a third of patients with available data required hospital care, two developed bloodstream infection, and officials advise older adults, young children, pregnant people and immunocompromised patients to avoid raw or lightly cooked eggs unless they carry British Lion or Laid in Britain assurance marks.
- Investigators are using whole genome sequencing, international supply-chain traceback and weekly public updates to find the source as linked cases are reported across several European countries.