Salmonella outbreak in UK leaves one dead and more than 200 ill

One person has died and more than 200 people have become ill in a UK-wide salmonella outbreak that health officials say may be linked to imported eggs.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed 207 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis between 11 August 2025 and 1 August 2026, with the majority of cases reported during 2026.

Of the confirmed cases, 199 were in England, six in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland. Those affected range in age from babies to people aged 90.

One person associated with the outbreak has died. UKHSA has not released further details about the death while investigations continue.

More than a third of people affected required hospital treatment, and two people developed bloodstream infections.

UKHSA is investigating the outbreak alongside the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and other public health bodies. Current evidence suggests the outbreak may be associated with eggs imported from outside the UK.

The FSA has said there is no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected. Investigations have identified imported eggs, mainly used by food service and catering businesses such as restaurants and cafés, as a potential source.

Salmonella infection can cause gastroenteritis, with symptoms including diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever. The infection is commonly associated with eating or handling contaminated food, although person-to-person transmission can occur more rarely.

Investigations are continuing to establish the source of the outbreak, with UK health authorities also working with European countries as part of the response.

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