The number of people ill with salmonella linked to eggs imported into the UK has risen, according to health officials.

Last week, The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declared a national salmonella outbreak, believed to be linked to imported eggs, which has caused the death of one person and sickened hundreds.

The UKHSA said at the time 207 people had been affected. Those infected ranged in age from less than one year old to 90 years. Investigators said they believed the eggs were eaten outside the home rather than in domestic settings.

In an update issued today (27 August), the UKHSA said that number had risen to 259.

However, the agency said it has identified two more clusters of illness, taking the total number to 474. Two deaths have been reported, the UKHSA said.

Salmonella infection commonly causes diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever, with symptoms often subsiding without treatment, though it can lead to sepsis or organ failure in vulnerable or immunocompromised groups.

To reduce the risk of infection, authorities urged the public to cook eggs thoroughly and wash hands with soap and water after handling them.

People have also been advised to buy eggs carrying the British Lion mark or produced under the Laid in Britain egg assurance scheme.

More to follow...