Salmonella Agona outbreak
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), five European countries have reported 147 people infected with Salmonella Agona, which could be linked to ready-to-eat food. In the UK, 129 people have been infected, while Finland counts 15 cases, Denmark one, Germany one and Ireland one.
Experts from EFSA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) believe that ready-to-eat products containing cucumbers and prepared in the UK may be the source of infection. As yet, they have been unable to identify the specific point in the production chain where contamination occurred. They have warned that new cases may occur until the source of infection and specific point of contamination are identified.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with Salmonella develop diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12-72 hours after infection. Although most people recover without treatment, severe infections may occur, with infants, elderly people and those with impaired immune systems more at risk of developing severe illness.