Probe into food bug outbreak

The bacteria causes severe diarrhoea

An investigation is under way after a huge increase in the numbers suffering from a strain of the salmonella bug in Northern Ireland in the past month.

About three cases of salmonella Newport are normally found in the province each year, but so far this month there are 41 confirmed and 40 suspected cases.

The Northern Ireland Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, in conjunction with four health boards, are looking into the source of the outbreak.

They say there is no firm evidence of the cause, but are urging people to ensure salad vegetables are washed.

Eighteen of the cases have needed hospital treatment.

According to the Eastern Health and Social Services Board (EHSSB), many, but not all of the sufferers, had eaten in restaurants, cafes, fast food or other takeaway outlets.

It always makes good sense to ensure that salad vegetables are properly washed before being eaten Dr Brian Smyth

Investigators are liaising with their counterparts in England where there has been a rise in cases of the food poisoning bug in Birmingham, the West Midlands and North East Lincolnshire areas.

The EHSSB said inquiries had shown that the strain of salmonella in Northern Ireland was identical to that in England, which suggested a link between the cases.

Investigations in Lincolnshire have pointed to a salad item as a potential line of enquiry into an outbreak there.

Dr Brian Smyth of the Northern Ireland Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre said there was no firm evidence to suggest such a cause in the province.

However, he urged people to maintain good hygiene when handling or preparing these food items.

"We have been routinely sampling these items in Northern Ireland but have not identified salmonella among them to date," stressed Dr Smyth.

Severe diarrhoea

"Nevertheless, I would remind everyone that it always makes good sense to ensure that salad vegetables are properly washed before being eaten," he said.

"These must also be properly refrigerated if not eaten immediately, and disposed of if they are not used within their 'sell-by' dates."

Dr Smyth said it was the most complex salmonella investigation undertaken in Northern Ireland for many years.

Salmonella infection causes severe diarrhoea, cramping abdominal pain, nausea and sometimes vomiting.

The symptoms can last for several days, but most people, make a full recovery within a week.