Health officials in the UK have raised concerns following a significant salmonella outbreak, with confirmed cases now reported across various regions including Wales and the South West. So far, five individuals have been hospitalized, and at least 20 others—including 13 children—have fallen ill due to a rare strain of salmonella responsible for causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
This outbreak is not localized, with cases spanning the UK. Authorities are actively investigating to determine the source of the infection, but no definitive cause has yet been identified. Although the salmonella saintpaul strain was previously linked to an outbreak in 2023 involving imported cantaloupe melons, health officials have confirmed that no connection to cantaloupe has been found in this current episode.
Salmonella bacteria typically infect the digestive systems of farm animals and often contaminate meat, eggs, and poultry. Symptoms usually include diarrhoea and fever, starting 12 to 72 hours after exposure. While most cases resolve within a few days, severe infections can lead to dangerous dehydration requiring hospital treatment, particularly among vulnerable groups.
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The 25 confirmed cases experienced symptom onset between February 20 and March 4. Regionally, the North West reported six cases, the West Midlands four, the South West three, and the East of England two. The East Midlands, North East, London, and South East each had one case. Both Wales and Northern Ireland reported two cases, with Scotland affected by one.
Affected individuals range widely in age, from as young as one year old to 88, with an average age of five. Among those infected, sixteen are female and nine male.
Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), confirmed that no new cases have been identified since March 2025. She emphasized the importance of hygiene, advising anyone experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting to wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet and to avoid preparing or handling food for others. She also urged that people should not return to work, school, or nursery until at least 48 hours after symptoms have fully cleared to prevent further spread.