Latest news with #SalmonellaStrathcona
Scottish Sun
16 hours ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 5 signs you're infected with deadly salmonella linked to tomatoes that left 100 ill and 14 in hospital
Salmonella lives in the guts of animals and humans and spreads through contaminated poo TOMAT-NO The 5 signs you're infected with deadly salmonella linked to tomatoes that left 100 ill and 14 in hospital Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OVER 100 people were struck down, with 14 rushed to hospital after eating tomatoes. This is after some batches of the salad staple are feared to be crawling with salmonella. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 4 Health officials sounded the alarm over a surge in potentially deadly salmonella linked to tomatoes Credit: Getty It comes as cases of the food bug have soared to a 10-year high in Britain. The bacteria can cause a sudden bout of fever, vomiting and explosive diarrhoea, often striking within hours of eating tainted food. Salmonella 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. Most people recover without treatment, but in rare cases it can turn deadly. Around one in 50 sufferers go on to develop a serious blood infection, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). 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. The tomato outbreak, first reported in 2024, wasn't limited to one area, with cases cropping up across the country, according to health watchdogs. Testing has linked the infections to two rare strains of salmonella: Salmonella Blockley and Salmonella Strathcona. What is salmonella, what are the symptoms and treatment? UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) officials warned that S. Strathcona is particularly severe. While S. Blockley, normally found in East Asia and the US, has only been seen in Europe a handful of time Meanwhile, fresh UKHSA data reveals salmonella infections have surged in early 2025, overtaking levels seen in both 2023 and 2024. Where does salmonella come from? Salmonella lives in the guts of animals and humans and spreads through contaminated poo. 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. 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. UKHSA figures released last month showed salmonella cases hit a record decade high in 2024, soaring by almost a fifth in a single year to over 10,000 cases. Children under 10 years old were particularly affected, accounting for 21.5 per cent of cases. 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." But separate data this week revealed cases in the first quarter of 2025 were even higher than 2024. Some 1,588 cases were logged between January and March 2025, up on the 1,541 reported over the same period in 2024. By comparison, there were 1,328 reports between January and March 2023. 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: Diarrohea (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. 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.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
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 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 Most read in Health 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. Stomach cramps or abdominal pain -This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Fever - A temperature elevation is a common symptom. Nausea and vomiting - Some individuals experience nausea and may also vomit. Chills -This can be associated with fever. Headache - 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 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 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 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. Read more on the Irish Sun 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 Do I have food poisoning? Food poisoning is rarely serious and usually gets better within a week. It's hard to miss the symptoms, which include: Feeling sick (nausea) Diarrhoea Being sick (vomiting) Stomach cramps A high temperature of 38C or above Feeling generally unwell – such as feeling tired or having aches and chills The symptoms usually start within a few days of eating the food that caused the infection. Sometimes they start after a few hours or not for a few weeks How to treat food poisoning You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. The symptoms usually pass within a week. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. You should also see a doctor if along with other symptoms you have high fever, blood in your stool, or feel dehydrated or unable to keep any food or liquid down. Make sure you stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days. Source: NHS
Scottish Sun
a day 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
