A new outbreak of the rare salmonella saintpaul strain has led to five hospitalisations and affected at least 20 people across the UK, including 13 children. The UK Health Security Agency is conducting a national investigation to find the source amid rising salmonella infections and no confirmed link to previously implicated food items.
Health authorities are sounding the alarm over a recent outbreak of salmonella that has left five people hospitalised and at least 20 others reporting symptoms, including 13 young children. The unusual strain responsible for the outbreak, salmonella saintpaul, has prompted a national investigation by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which is seeking to pinpoint the source of this bacterial infection. Unlike similar outbreaks of the past, which were often linked to specific food items, health officials have not yet identified any particular source for the current cases.
The strain previously linked to salmonella outbreaks has included imported cantaloupe melons, which were associated with a significant outbreak earlier in 2023 that affected over 90 individuals across the UK. However, despite the health threats posed by contaminants in food products, UK officials have clarified that there is no evidence connecting cantaloupes to the latest cases. Salmonella, primarily known to infect the gastrointestinal systems of various animals, can typically be found in meat, eggs, and poultry, leading to illness that may present as fever and gastrointestinal distress. Although the symptoms generally resolve within a few days, there is potential for severe, life-threatening complications, particularly in vulnerable populations.
In recent years, the UK has seen a concerning rise in salmonella infections, which is part of a broader trend encompassing various gastrointestinal diseases. The UKHSA indicated that 2024 had already seen a marked increase in large salmonella outbreaks, particularly associated with melon consumption. The ongoing investigation into the current outbreak highlights the importance of vigilance in food safety practices, especially considering that infections can manifest anywhere from 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Health officials are urging anyone who experiences gastrointestinal symptoms to maintain strict hygiene practices to prevent further spread of the bacteria.
The outbreak’s geographical spread has been notable; reports have come from across the UK, including the North West, West Midlands, South West, and Eastern regions, with additional cases in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The youngest patient was merely one year old, while the oldest affected individual is 88. This demographic data underlines the widespread nature of the outbreak and the need for thorough monitoring.
Speaking on the matter, Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, emphasised the agency’s commitment to identifying the source of the outbreak and mitigating any further risks to public health. “UKHSA is investigating a small outbreak of Salmonella and no cases have been identified since March 2025,” she stated. Health guidelines recommend that individuals displaying diarrhoea or vomiting should meticulously wash their hands after using the bathroom and refrain from preparing food during their illness.
The urgency of this investigation is compounded by a significant rise in both Campylobacter and Salmonella cases reported in the UK over the past couple of years. The UKHSA noted that salmonella cases surged from approximately 8,290 in 2022 to almost 10,400 in 2024. This increase has been attributed to a return to pre-pandemic behaviours, highlighting an ongoing public health challenge in food safety and hygiene practices.
Meanwhile, an ongoing salmonella outbreak linked to sprouted seeds in European nations has affected more than 500 individuals between January 2023 and January 2025, underscoring a potential cross-border issue that complicates food safety efforts. As investigations continue into both the current UK outbreak and international concerns, the importance of robust food safety measures and public health education cannot be overstated.
As the UKHSA continues to monitor and investigate this salmonella outbreak, the health community remains on high alert, calling for public cooperation in hygiene practices to help protect vulnerable individuals from these potentially deadly infections.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14752589/outbreak-food-poisoning-summer-fruit-five-hospitalised-salmonella.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/03/50-sickened-in-uk-salmonella-outbreak-with-unknown-source/ – In March 2025, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) investigated a Salmonella Blockley outbreak affecting over 50 individuals across England, Scotland, and Wales. The patients, aged 2 to 85, had a median age of 57, with the most affected group being those aged 50 to 59. Ten individuals were hospitalised. The source of the outbreak remains unidentified, though the UKHSA suspects an internationally distributed vehicle of infection. Genetically similar Salmonella Blockley strains have been identified in other European countries, indicating a potential cross-border issue. The investigation is ongoing to determine the source and prevent further cases.
- https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/04/ukhsa-reports-on-increases-in-campylobacter-and-salmonella-infections/ – The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported a rise in Campylobacter and Salmonella infections in 2023. Campylobacter cases in England increased from 54,884 in 2022 to 60,014 in 2023, with a further rise to over 70,300 in 2024. Salmonella cases rose from 8,290 in 2022 to 8,874 in 2023, with nearly 10,400 infections recorded in 2024. The most affected age groups were 50 to 59 and 60 to 69 for Campylobacter, and 0 to 9 for Salmonella. The UKHSA attributes the increase to a return to normal behaviours post-pandemic and is monitoring the situation closely.
- https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/widespread-salmonella-outbreak-european-unioneuropean-economic-area-linked-sprouted – Between January 2023 and January 2025, a widespread Salmonella outbreak linked to sprouted alfalfa seeds affected 509 individuals across nine EU/EEA countries, with Norway reporting the highest number of cases. Investigations identified sprouted seeds as the source, traced to a single supplier in Italy sourcing from three local growers. The outbreak is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine how the seeds became contaminated and to prevent further cases. Public health officials advise vulnerable groups to avoid consuming sprouted seeds unless thoroughly cooked.
- https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/joint-ecdc-efsa-rapid-outbreak-assessment-prolonged-multi-country-outbreak – A prolonged multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Strathcona ST2559, linked to tomato consumption, has affected 232 individuals across 16 EU/EEA countries and 29 in the UK from January 2023 to November 2024. Epidemiological investigations in Austria and Italy confirmed that small tomatoes from Sicily were the vehicle of infection. Whole genome sequencing analyses suggest a recent common origin for the outbreak strain. Authorities are conducting further investigations to identify the contamination point and implement corrective measures to prevent new cases.
- https://phw.nhs.wales/use-of-site/contact-us/freedom-of-information/disclosure-log/foi-2024-060-salmonella-in-wrexham/ – In 2024, a Salmonella outbreak in Wrexham, Wales, affected 33 confirmed and one probable case, all linked to the Nags Head public house. Despite extensive investigations, including food and environmental sampling, the source and transmission route of the infection remain unidentified. Control measures implemented at the venue included temporary closure, deep cleaning, staff exclusion, and food handling process refinements. No further cases were identified following these measures. Public Health Wales continues to monitor the situation and advises the public on Salmonella prevention.
- https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-66375847 – In August 2023, a Salmonella Typhimurium cluster in Wrexham, Wales, prompted an investigation by Public Health Wales, Wrexham council’s environmental health team, and Betsi Cadwaladr health board. The strain can cause symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach pain. While most individuals recover, complications can occur among vulnerable groups, including the very young and those with compromised immunity. The source of the infection remains unknown, and no information has been released regarding the number of affected individuals.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative reports a recent salmonella outbreak in the UK, with five hospitalised and at least 20 others affected. The earliest known publication date of similar content is 6 March 2025, reporting on a widespread salmonella outbreak in the EU/EEA linked to sprouted seeds. ([ecdc.europa.eu](https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/widespread-salmonella-outbreak-european-unioneuropean-economic-area-linked-sprouted?utm_source=openai)) However, this earlier report does not specify the UK as a source. The current narrative appears to be a fresh report, with no evidence of recycled content. The mention of a press release from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggests a high freshness score, as press releases are typically timely and original. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative includes a direct quote from Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA: ‘UKHSA is investigating a small outbreak of Salmonella and no cases have been identified since March 2025.’ A search for this exact quote yields no earlier matches, indicating it is potentially original or exclusive content. No variations in wording were found, and no identical quotes appear in earlier material.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a reputable UK newspaper. However, the Daily Mail has faced criticism for sensationalism and inaccuracies in the past. The UKHSA is a credible source, and their involvement adds reliability to the report. The mention of a press release from the UKHSA further supports the narrative’s credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative reports a salmonella outbreak in the UK, with five hospitalised and at least 20 others affected. The UKHSA has previously reported on increases in salmonella infections, with nearly 10,400 cases recorded in 2024. ([foodsafetynews.com](https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/04/ukhsa-reports-on-increases-in-campylobacter-and-salmonella-infections/?utm_source=openai)) The mention of a press release from the UKHSA adds credibility to the report. The language and tone are consistent with official health communications. No excessive or off-topic details are present, and the structure is focused on the outbreak and health guidelines.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative presents a timely and original report on a salmonella outbreak in the UK, with direct quotes from a credible source. The involvement of the UKHSA and the mention of a press release from them further support the narrative’s credibility. No significant issues with freshness, quotes, source reliability, or plausibility were identified.
