Salmonella Outbreak In Greater Manchester

06/09/2010

An inquiry has been launched following an outbreak of salmonella poisoning following a wedding in Prestwich, Greater Manchester in August 2010. Of the guest who attended the event there were 9 confirmed cases of salmonella, with 4 of these individuals requiring hospitalisation. One of those infected, an elderly lady aged 82, died after being hospitalised.

The catering at the function had been provided by an outside company and reports suggest that those infected are considering legal action.

The Health Protection Agency's Greater Manchester Health Protection Unit (HPU) and NHS Bury are investigating the outbreak with support from Environmental health officers from Bury Council.

Dr Marko Petrovic, a representative from the Health Protection Agency said: "It's very sad that a patient associated with this outbreak has died and our thoughts and sympathies are with the family. We are looking into the circumstances of the case. Deaths from salmonella infection are rare."

Advice from the HPA states that symptoms include “watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps and sometimes vomiting and fever. These symptoms usually last for four to seven days and clear up without treatment, but if you become seriously ill you may need to be treated for dehydration (fluid loss) caused by the illness.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by this outbreak then please contact Kate Monk in our specialist team for free initial legal advice.