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The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
The 5 signs you're infected with deadly salmonella linked to tomatoes that left 100 ill and 14 in hospital
SALMONELLA cases are at a record high in Britain - and there are some key signs you can look out for. In the most recent outbreak, over 100 people were sickened and 14 rushed to hospital after eating tomatoes. Advertisement 4 4 Health officials sounded the alarm over a surge in potentially deadly salmonella linked to tomatoes Credit: Getty Health officials are urging Brits to be on high alert for the symptoms of salmonella infection, which can last anywhere from four to seven days. Cases hit a record decade high in 2024, soaring by almost a fifth in a single year to over 10,000 cases. But separate data this week revealed cases in the first quarter of 2025 were even higher than 2024, with some 1,588 cases logged between January and March 2025, up on the 1,541 reported over the same period in 2024. Advertisement By comparison, there were 1,328 reports between January and March 2023. Children under 10 years old were particularly affected, accounting for 21.5 per cent of cases. The Salmonella can cause a sudden bout of fever, Advertisement Most read in Health The bacteria attacks the gut lining, damaging cells and stopping the body from soaking up water. This is what leads to the painful cramps and nonstop diarrhoea as the body flushes out the water it couldn't absorb. What is salmonella, what are the symptoms and treatment? Most people recover without treatment, but in rare cases it can turn deadly. Around one in 50 sufferers go on to develop a serious Advertisement Young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of complications. Thankfully, deaths remain rare in the UK, with fatal cases making up just 0.2 per cent of reports. Testing has linked the infections to two rare strains of salmonella: salmonella Blockley and salmonella Strathcona. S. Strathcona is particularly severe, UKHSA says, while S. Blockley, normally found in East Asia and the US, has only been seen in Europe a handful of times. Advertisement According to the 2024 UKHSA data, there were 81 cases of S. Blockley confirmed by lab testing, all linked to tomatoes. Of these, at least 14 were hospitalised. Tomatoes were also blamed for a S. Strathcona outbreak that affected 24 people. It is not known where the tomatoes were grown, be it from the UK or if they were imported from another country. Where does salmonella come from? Salmonella lives in the guts of animals and humans and spreads through contaminated poo. Advertisement Food can get tainted if it's grown in dirty water, handled with grubby hands, or touches surfaces exposed to animal waste. This contamination can occur at any stage, from farm to fork, including irrigation with contaminated water, poor hygiene during harvesting, or cross-contamination during packaging. 4 That's how fresh produce like tomatoes, especially when eaten raw, can end up crawling with the bug. Advertisement Salmonella can cling to fresh produce like tomatoes, and research suggests their texture makes them more prone to holding onto the bacteria. The risk is even greater because tomatoes are often eaten raw, unlike cooked food, which would usually kill off any bugs. It's also commonly found in raw eggs, undercooked chicken and unwashed salad leaves. Once salmonella gets onto a kitchen counter, chopping board or knife, it can survive for up to four hours, long enough to infect anything else that touches it. Advertisement 4 Salmonella causes an infection that typically results in vomiting and diarrhoea Credit: Getty - Contributor Dr James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the Food Standard Agency, said: "We are working together to understand the reasons behind the rise in salmonella cases, as well as trends in other pathogens. "This analysis will help us take the necessary action to protect public health. "We're also working with industry and local authorities to support businesses to meet their legal responsibility to make sure food is safe." Advertisement What to watch out for According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms usually kick in two to five days after infection, but can appear in as little as six hours. These include: Diarrhoea (sometimes bloody). Fever Stomach pains or cramps. Nausea and vomiting Headache Salmonella symptoms typically last for four to seven days. And most cases clear up without antibiotics, but staying hydrated is important to avoid complications of diarrhoea. Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun You should see a doctor for salmonella symptoms if your symptoms are severe, prolonged, or you are at increased risk. This includes infants, young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems. How to stay safe The most effective way of lowering your risk of Salmonella involves adherence to the '4 Cs' of food hygiene: 1. Cleaning Thoroughly wash hands before and after handling any foods – especially raw meat. It's also essential to keep workspaces, knives and utensils clean before, during and after preparing your meal. 2. Cooking The bacteria that causes Salmonella infections can be inactivated when cooked at the right temperature. In general, foods should be cooked to an internal temperature above 65C - which should be maintained for at least When re-heating food, it should reach 70C or above for two minutes to kill any bacteria that have grown since it was first cooked. 3. Chilling Raw foods – especially meat and dairy – should always be stored below 5°C as this Leftovers should be cooled quickly and also stored at 5C or lower. 4. Cross-contamination To prevent Salmonella passing from raw foods to those that are already prepared or can be eaten raw (such as vegetables and fruit), it's important to wash hands and clean surfaces after handling raw meat, and to use different chopping boards for ready-to-eat foods and raw meat. Most Salmonella infections are mild and will go away in a few days on their own. But taking the right steps when storing and preparing your meals can significantly lower your risk of contracting it.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Tomatoes linked to outbreak of 'deadly' bacteria usually found in uncooked meat and eggs
A new report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has found that a potentially deadly bacteria was transmitted through tomatoes and other common grocery products Tomatoes have been linked to an outbreak of a potentially deadly disease usually found only in uncooked meat and eggs, the UK's top health body has found. The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) found in a new report published this month that the red fruit, a staple millions of Brits' meals, was responsible for more than 100 Salmonella infections. Two different types of the bacteria, which is usually found in uncooked chicken and raw eggs, have been linked to a nationwide outbreak. New records issued by the UKHSA show the Blockley and Strathcona variants caused 81 and 24 infections each in 2024. At least 14 of the 105 who contracted the bacteria - which is known to kill dozens of people every year - last year were hospitalised with severe infections. The food safety chiefs noted that tomatoes were among several different contaminated foods that spread the bacteria on a national rather than restaurant-only scale. Red meat, eggs, and another "unidentified" vector were among the foods that transmitted Salmonella types Enteritidis, Anatum and Typhimurium. They caused hundreds of more infections in multiple additional outbreaks, with the UKHSA finding the Typhimurium strain caused 109 infections alone. The organisation noted in its report that the outbreaks, once reported to national surveillance, were "associated with the consumption of multiple different food vehicles". The report states: "Seven outbreaks of Salmonella were reported to national surveillance in 2024, comprising 304 cases of which 280 cases were laboratory confirmed. These outbreaks were associated with the consumption of multiple different food vehicles including eggs, tomatoes and red meat products." The report adds that infections of Salmonella and another bacteria, Campylobacer, have been on the increase in the last two years, with the former shooring up by more than 15 percent befire dropping slightly early this year. It states: "The total number of confirmed Salmonella serovar laboratory reports increased by 17.1percent, from 8,872 reports in 2023 to 10,388 reports in 2024. Comparison of the number of confirmed Salmonella serovar laboratory reports in the first quarter of each year shows a rise of 16.0 percent, from 1,328 reports in Q1 2023 to 1,541 in Q1 2024, then a lower increase of 3.1 percent, to 1,588 in Q1 2025." Salmonella, as the data shows, can be a widely spread disease, and while it is very rarely deadly, can cause a host of particularly unpleasant symptoms and even permanent damage. Symptoms of infection with the bacteria can last up to a week, and include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever, with rare long-term complications including reactive arthritis, eye irritation, and painful urination. The longer-term symptoms have been known to persist for months at a time.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Dozens sick from salmonella outbreak linked to tomatoes
A Salmonella outbreak has been linked to tomatoes, causing over 100 illnesses and 14 hospitalisations in 2024. Food safety watchdogs believe multiple foods, including eggs, red meat products, and tomatoes, contributed to the outbreak. The outbreak involved Salmonella strains Blockley and Strathcona, with Blockley being particularly alarming due to its rare occurrence in Europe. Cases linked to tomatoes were widespread across the UK, making their origin, whether domestic or imported, unclear. Overall Salmonella cases in the UK reached a decade high in 2024, exceeding 10,000, a 17.1 per cent increase from the previous year.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Warning over ‘contaminated' tomatoes sold across UK after surge in deadly infection that left 100 ill & 14 hospitalised
Read on for precautions to avoid getting seriously ill HEALTH HAZARD Warning over 'contaminated' tomatoes sold across UK after surge in deadly infection that left 100 ill & 14 hospitalised FOOD safety chiefs have issued an urgent warning over a popular salad staple. Certain tomatoes have been linked to a deadly infection that's already left a dozen people in hospital. Advertisement 2 Two nasty strains of the diarrhoea-inducing bug have been behind the surge in cases this year Health officials have sounded the alarm after a deadly salmonella outbreak was linked to tomatoes — with more than 100 people falling ill and at least 14 rushed to hospital. The alert comes after the worrying outbreak sparked fears over contaminated produce, prompting health bosses to advise shoppers to check their tomatoes carefully and follow hygiene advice. Two nasty strains of the diarrhoea-inducing bug have been behind the surge in cases this year, with experts pointing the finger at contaminated tomatoes as the likely culprit. Worryingly, the infections aren't limited to one region — cases have been reported across the UK, prompting a nationwide health warning from safety chiefs. Advertisement Tests revealed that every case in the outbreak was caused by two rare strains of the bug — Salmonella Blockley and Salmonella Strathcona — with health chiefs warning the latter can cause particularly severe illness. S. Blockley is usually found in East Asia and the US, and has only been recorded a handful of times across Europe, making the spike in UK cases even more alarming. It comes as new figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show salmonella infections have soared in the first three months of 2025 — up significantly compared to the same period in 2023 and 2024. What is Salmonella? Salmonella is typically linked to meat, eggs and poultry — but experts now warn contaminated tomatoes are behind a wave of stomach-churning illness sweeping the UK. Advertisement The nasty bug, which infects the gut of farm animals, can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and fever — and while most people recover within days, in some cases it can prove deadly. According to 2024 data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 81 cases of the rare S. Blockley strain were confirmed by lab tests — all linked to tomatoes. Three dead and two hospitalised after food poisoning outbreak linked to desserts in NHS hospitals At least 14 people were hospitalised. The fruit was also blamed for a separate outbreak of Salmonella Strathcona, affecting another 24 people. Advertisement Officials say it's still unclear where the tomatoes came from — whether they were UK-grown or imported. Experts say the soft, porous texture of tomatoes makes them more vulnerable to salmonella — especially as they're often eaten raw, meaning bugs aren't killed off by cooking. Symptoms of Salmonella Blockley to look out for SYMPTOMS of Salmonella Blockley, a specific type of Salmonella infection, are similar to general Salmonella infection. Common symptoms include: Diarrhoea - This is often the most prominent symptom. - This is often the most prominent symptom. Stomach cramps or abdominal pain -This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. -This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Fever - A temperature elevation is a common symptom. - A temperature elevation is a common symptom. Nausea and vomiting - Some individuals experience nausea and may also vomit. - Some individuals experience nausea and may also vomit. Chills -This can be associated with fever. -This can be associated with fever. Headache - Some individuals may experience headaches. - Some individuals may experience headaches. Blood in the stool - In some cases, blood can be present in the stool. Salmonella symptoms typically last for four to seven days, and most people recover without needing specific treatment. You should see a doctor for salmonella symptoms if your symptoms are severe, prolonged, or you are at increased risk of complications. This includes infants, young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms Symptoms usually appear 12 to 72 hours after infection, and those most at risk include the elderly, young children and anyone with a weakened immune system. Health officials are urging Brits to be on high alert for the symptoms of salmonella infection, which can last anywhere from four to seven days. Advertisement The most common signs include diarrhoea — which may be watery and occasionally contain blood or mucus — stomach cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and chills. These symptoms can vary in intensity, but even mild cases can leave people feeling drained. In more serious instances, the illness can lead to severe dehydration, particularly in infants, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems. Some sufferers may go on to develop reactive arthritis, a painful condition that causes swelling and stiffness in the joints, or even enteric fever — a rare but dangerous form of the illness that brings on high fever, exhaustion and severe sickness requiring urgent antibiotic treatment. Advertisement While most people recover without medical intervention, doctors advise seeking help if symptoms are severe or don't improve after a few days, if there's blood in the stool, or if signs of dehydration — such as dizziness or reduced urination — are present. Anyone preparing fresh produce like tomatoes is reminded to wash them thoroughly, store them properly, and follow general food hygiene guidance to reduce the risk of infection. Treatment There is no specific treatment for most cases of salmonella infection, as it usually clears up on its own within a week. The primary focus is on staying hydrated, especially if diarrhoea and vomiting are severe, to prevent dehydration. Advertisement Drinking plenty of fluids such as water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths is essential. In some cases, doctors may recommend over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms like fever and cramps, but antibiotics are generally not prescribed unless the infection is severe, spreads beyond the intestines, or affects high-risk groups such as infants, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. If complications like enteric fever or reactive arthritis develop, more intensive medical treatment, including antibiotics or specialist care, may be required. Anyone experiencing serious symptoms or prolonged illness should seek medical advice promptly to ensure proper care and avoid complications. Advertisement Prevention Preventing salmonella largely comes down to good hygiene and safe food practices. Experts say there are several simple steps that can dramatically reduce your risk of infection. Always thoroughly cook meat, poultry, and seafood to the correct internal temperature, and avoid cross-contamination by using separate chopping boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods. Handwashing is crucial — especially after using the toilet, changing nappies, handling raw produce or meat, and before preparing or eating food. Advertisement When travelling, stick to bottled or properly treated water, particularly in countries where sanitation may be poor. Avoid ice cubes or uncooked foods that may have been rinsed in contaminated water. While there's no vaccine for general salmonella, typhoid fever — a severe form of salmonella — can be prevented through vaccination, which is recommended for travellers heading to high-risk areas. Taking these precautions can help you avoid getting seriously ill — and stop the spread of infection to others. Advertisement 2 Health officials have sounded the alarm after a salmonella outbreak was linked to tomatoes Credit: Getty
West Australian
13-05-2025
- Climate
- West Australian
Mid West breaks records as temperatures soar with zero rainfall, BOM says reprieve expected by end of May
After a long and dry summer that included the equal hottest temperature on record, the Mid West can expect to see rain by the end of May, according to the Bureau of Meteorology — just not before breaking a few more records. With a hint of a chill rolling in on Anzac Day morning, residents of the Mid West were wondering if it was time to grab out their jumpers and coats from the back of the cupboard. However, consistently high temperatures and little to no rain has left the region wondering what season it is really in, and if winter was actually coming. From May 7 to May 9, Geraldton Airport recorded maximum temperatures over 34C for three consecutive days (34.2C, 35.9C and 36.6C respectively), a statistic that hasn't been seen in Geraldton since 1959, according to Bureau of Meteorology senior climatologist Yanhui Blockley. 'It's very rare the temperature will reach that of or above 34C so late in autumn,' she said. 'On Friday, May 9, the temperature reached 36.6C, the equal-highest May temperature on record, with the last maximum occurring on May 12, 2018. 'That persistent warm weather or hot weather is unusual. It's about 5C warmer than the average maximum May temperature.' A persistent high pressure system off the coast of WA has brought easterly winds that push rain clouds away, leading to persistent dry, hot days with little to no rainfall. So far in May, Geraldton has received zero rainfall, with the wider Mid West region only recording 0.4mm. The average rainfall for Geraldton Airport for the month of May is 69.5mm. Ms Blockley said to expect the clouds to open towards the end of the month. 'As the days draw closer to winter we expect some rainfall coming with a cold front,' she said. 'We may also see conditions similar to May 2019, where Geraldton only recorded 1.9mm for the entire month. 'However, we will continue to monitor this, but rain is predicted to fall at the end of May.' This would bring a sigh of relief to many worried farmers who have begun seeding and are awaiting rainfall to ensure a decent harvest.
