Six Scots impacted by salmonella outbreak 'linked to imported eggs'

Six Scots are among hundreds impacted by a UK-wide salmonella outbreak believed to be linked to eggs imported into the country.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) launched an investigation into the outbreak on May 26 of this year after there was an increase in salmonella cases “caused by a single strain”.

There has been one death associated with the outbreak, UKHSA said.

Salmonella generally causes a self-limiting gastroenteritis, with symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting or fever.

More than a third of people affected (38%) in the outbreak were admitted to hospital, with two people developing potentially life-threatening bloodstream infections.

UKHSA said between August 11 last year and August 1 this year, 207 cases have been confirmed – 199 in England, six in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.

The regions in England with the highest number of cases are London, where 47 cases were confirmed, and Yorkshire and Humber (38).

People affected include babies and people as old as 90, according to the UKHSA.