Mystery salmonella outbreak alert as 50 sickened, 10 hospitalised with poisoning – extremely rare strain of ‘unknown source’
Health chiefs have launched an urgent national investigation into a mystery salmonella poising outbreak that has affected more than 50 and hospitalised ten.
Genetic testing has revealed in all cases the infection were caused by the rare Salmonella Blockley strain, also referred to as S. Blockley, which the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned is particularly severe.
In meeting notes from September 2024, which are only now being reported, the watchdog admitted ‘the source of the outbreak is currently unknown’.
It is only the second time cases of S. Blockley, which is more often seen in east Asia and the US, has been recorded in a European country.
As of September 2024, when the urgent meeting was held, 54 cases had been confirmed by local testing labs, and some were resistant to standard antibiotics.
There had been 36 cases in England, seven in Wales and 11 in Scotland, with sample dates ranging between July 27 and Aug 24, 2024.
The ages of patients ranged from two to 85 however the most affected group, with 13 cases, was those in the 50 to 59 bracket.
Ten of 21 people with information available were hospitalised, and ‘there are early indications of greater than expected clinical severity of infection’, the meeting notes added.
Health chiefs have launched an urgent national investigation into a mystery salmonella poising outbreak that has affected 54 people and hospitalised ten
Worryingly
UKHSA said a national level investigation had been opened due to the number of cases, and indicated healthcare professionals needed to be alert.
According to UKHSA, there was no indication that those who fell ill travelled before becoming infected.
Salmonella Blockley has been identified previously in Germany.
The watchdog said it suspected ‘involvement of an international supply chain’. UKHSA has been approached for comment. More to follow.
