Salmonella care home woman dies

Eight people were affected by the outbreak

An elderly resident of a care home in Wearside has died in hospital after contracting salmonella.

The woman, believed to be in her 70s, was one of eight staff and residents at the Millum House Care Home in Roker, Sunderland, who had become infected.

The woman was admitted to hospital and received treatment but later died.

Another resident is still receiving hospital treatment. The others, three members of staff and four residents, have recovered.

Greater risk

Health experts are continuing the investigation into the outbreak at the care home, which was formerly known as Piers View.

A spokesperson from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said it was working with Sunderland City Council environmental health service and Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust to ensure measures were in place to prevent further cases.

Dr Tricia Cresswell, of the HPA, said: "Anyone can get salmonella, but young children, the elderly and people with serious underlying infections have a greater risk of becoming severely ill.

She said symptoms included diarrhoea, stomach cramps and sometimes vomiting and fever.

She added: "I would like to extend my sympathy to the family of the lady who has died with this illness."