Salmonellosis - United Kingdom

Salmonellosis – United Kingdom

July 9, 2020
< 1 min read

Almost 40 people are part of a Salmonella outbreak traced to eggs in the United Kingdom.

Cases range in age from 6 months to 85 years. 19 are female and 19 are male, with 2 people hospitalized.

British Lion Brand eggs account for about 90% of UK egg production. The British Lion mark on eggs means that they have been laid by hens vaccinated against Salmonella but the vaccine only offers partial protection.

Eggs from infected farms are restricted until they are sent for processing or disposed of as animal by-products. They cannot be sold as fresh table eggs.

Infection with salmonella in developed countries generally results in food poisoning. The organisms enter through the digestive tract and must be ingested in large numbers to cause disease in healthy adults. Between 60% to 80% of salmonella infections cases go un-diagnosed.

Photo: Salmonella (red) invading human cells.

Risk factors for salmonella infections include a variety of foods. Meats such as chicken and pork have the possibility to be contaminated. A variety of vegetables and sprouts may also have salmonella. Lastly, a variety of processed foods such as chicken nuggets and pot pies may also contain this bacteria.

Salmonella was first visualized in 1880. The name Salmonella was not used until 1900.

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