Close to 500 people in the United Kingdom have fallen ill with salmonella, with health officials identifying two new clusters of the infection as investigations continue. The UK Health Security Agency reported that the total number of confirmed cases has risen to 474, with two deaths recorded.
While some cases date back as far as August 2025, the bacteria involved are genetically nearly identical, strongly suggesting a single common source. Investigations indicate that a significant number of those affected fell ill after eating out, rather than from consuming eggs prepared at home.
Salmonella Outbreak Details
The outbreak involves specific genetic clusters of salmonella, identified as t5.9411, t0.24068, and t5.9765. These clusters are linked to 259, 177, and 38 cases respectively, with two deaths associated with t5.9411 and t5.9765.
More than a third of the individuals who became ill in the UK, ranging in age from infants to 92-year-olds, required hospitalization. While most salmonella infections resolve without specific medical treatment, the severity in this outbreak has necessitated hospital care for a considerable portion of those affected.
The majority of cases have been reported in England, with a notable concentration in London and the Yorkshire and Humber regions. Smaller numbers of cases have also been confirmed in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
International Context
Similar salmonella cases are being observed in other European countries. Austria has reported two cases, Belgium 15, Denmark one, France four, Germany six, and the Netherlands 106. Investigations in the Netherlands, however, suggest a potential link to chicken meat rather than eggs.
Salmonella can be present in various food items, including raw or undercooked poultry, meat, and eggs. Health authorities continue to investigate the precise origins of this widespread outbreak.