Authorities Investigating After Three Cases Are Confirmed

By Rob Dixon

Illness lawyers who have helped victims of outbreaks of Salmonella in the UK and abroad gain justice over the illness they have suffered are calling on authorities in Wales to work quickly after three cases of the illness were confirmed in Swansea.

Public Health Wales is working with environmental health specialists from the City and County of Swansea to investigate after three pupils who attend Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bryn Y Mor school were confirmed to be suffering from the illness.

The source of the illness has not been identified and the health body has now issued guidance to the public on maintaining a good standard of hygiene in order to manage symptoms and also prevent the spread of the bacteria.

GPs have been advised of the problems and are on alert in respect of other possible cases related to the school, while anyone who is unwell is advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist illness lawyers have represented hundreds of people who have contracted salmonella in the UK and abroad at holiday resorts and on cruise ships. The firm notably represent victims who contracted the illness at the Street Spice Food Festival in Newcastle earlier this year.

Suki Chhokar, a Partner and specialist in illness claims at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Salmonella is a very serious bacterial illness and we have seen numerous cases in the past where people, including children, have suffered long-term health problems as a result of contracting it.

“Because of this, it is hugely important that health authorities in Swansea work quickly and thoroughly to determine how these school pupils came to suffer from this illness, identify the source and also ensure lessons can be learned which will lead to improvements that prevent this from being repeated.

“The parents of those affected in this instance will of course be concerned and desperate for answers as to what happened, while the community as a whole will also be keen for reassurances over safety too.

“Many people are relying on health experts to get to the bottom of the issues and ensure that everything can be done to avoid food hygiene issues of this kind from arising again in the future.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in relation to Environmental and Health Pollutant claims