An investigation into related Salmonella infections in the United Kingdom has revealed multiple vehicles and pathways of infection. Following an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium in Wales in 2021, which was associated with sheep meat and lamb liver being consumed raw, other genetically related cases were found across the UK. The first outbreak with 22 sick people was detected in Cardiff in July 2021 at an Eid al-Adha barbecue celebration.
Isolates part of the same cluster were first detected in Wales in April 2018. Overall, 170 cases were reported in the cluster from April 2018 to December 2022. From August 2021 to December 2022, 142 patients were identified in the UK.
Eleven were part of an outbreak linked to raw drinking milk in England between September and December 2022. According to a study published in the journal Epidemiology and Infection , the median age of cases was 32, and 81 were male. They were geographically spread across the UK, with 106 in England, 32 in Wales, and four in Scotland.
Up to five people in England were hospitalized, and seven in Wales. No deaths due to infection with Salmonella were reported. Between August and September 2021, 19 trawling questionnaires were completed: 11 for cases in England and eight in Wales.
Eating any meat and eating outside the home were commonly reported exposures. Most cases consumed chicken, while lamb and mutton were consumed by a few. Half of the cases reported washing raw meats at home and adhering to a halal diet.
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