Public Health England Say Source May Be Imported Eggs
Specialist lawyers representing victims of illness outbreaks in the UK and abroad have previously called for authorities to ensure the cause of a Salmonella outbreak in the UK is identified as quickly as possible.Health investigators have now revealed that the national Salmonella outbreak that has affected nearly 250 people across Britain could potentially be traced back to a single source of eggs. The outbreak is believed to have affected people in Hampshire, London, the West Midlands, Merseyside and Cheshire.
Dr Paul Cleary, consultant epidemiologist at PHE, said investigators had traced an outbreak in Europe to a single source of eggs which may have also reached catering outlets in England. However it has not been confirmed that this is the root of the outbreak in this country.
Irwin Mitchell’s illness lawyers, who specialise in helping victims of illness outbreaks in the UK and abroad gain justice regarding the problems they have faced, have welcomed the developments in the investigation into the cause of the outbreak.
They notably act for 22 people who have suffered severe gastric illness following a Salmonella outbreak which has potentially been linked to The Real China restaurant in Eastleigh, near Southampton, which voluntarily closed for seven days in July after the problems emerged. The firm also represents two people who fell ill after purchasing food from the Woks Cooking takeaway in Kirkby, near Liverpool, which has also been reportedly linked to the current outbreak and for dozens of victims of a Salmonella outbreak at the Newcastle Spice Festival last year.
Amandeep Dhillon is a Public Health lawyer at Irwin Mitchell.
Expert Opinion
We have received a growing number of enquiries related to Salmonella outbreaks here in the UK in recent weeks, which is concerning given that we have seen on numerous occasions the severe impact that Salmonella can have on victims in the short and longer-term. The infection is potentially fatal and it can also lead to the development of long-standing health conditions, from which sufferers may never fully recover.
"We are pleased that investigations are taking place quickly and thoroughly to try and contain the outbreak. If one common source is identified, it is vital that urgent action is taken to try to ensure the outbreak does not affect more people."
Amandeep Dhillon - Partner
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