Health bosses have issued an urgent warning after an outbreak of salmonella from pre-packed food reached the UK. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) says that at least 81 cases have been detected, with one of those sadly dying.
Bacteria-based bug salmonella has been discovered in ready to eat sandwiches, wraps and chicken. The infections are part of a widespread outbreak across Europe and Israel which has involved 196 recorded cases.
The ECDC says that "several" food distributors could have been involved in the transmission of the bug. Until the “common source” is identified, the continued spreading of the outbreak is "likely to occur".
Professor Paul Wigley, who has expertise in animal microbial ecosystems at the University of Bristol, said it is "unclear" and which type of chicken people should avoid, The Mirror reports. He warned: "Given both the risk of salmonella and more frequently campylobacter, another food poisoning bacterium, on raw chicken, it should be handled with care and hygienic practice in the kitchen and all poultry meat should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
The bacteria of salmonella is found in the digestive system of chickens and passed onto humans who eat chicken meat which is infected. An estimated 8,000-10,000 cases are recorded every year in England and Wales.
There are more than 2,000 types of the bug, many of which cause food poisoning in humans and even deaths in young children, elderly people and those with weaker immune systems. Dr Lesley Larkin, of UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said cases have come from "different parts of the UK".
She said: "We are working with colleagues of other affected countries alongside ECDC to identify the source of the outbreak." The NHS says there are six symptoms of food poisoning which include:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- diarrhoea
- vomiting
- stomach cramps
- a high temperature of 38C or above
- feeling generally unwell or tired, aches and chills
These symptoms can present themselves anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days after eating the infected meat.
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