The multi-cluster outbreak between 15 January and 19 July 2023, the agency says there have been 241 confirmed cases with Salmonella Enteritidis infection. Many of these have been linked to the Antalya region.
Fifty-six percent of cases in these clusters are male and the median age of those affected is 29 years old.
The strains of Salmonella were detected using whole genome sequencing (WGS), a technique which can be used to establish the order of ‘bases’ in an organism. All organisms have these bases, which make up their unique genetic code.
WGS enables scientists to see differences and these genomic data alongside other information can be used to determine which illnesses are part of an outbreak, as well as which ingredients are responsible, geographical regions effected and so on.
The UKHSA has gathered detailed and confirmed information for 93 cases so far, ascertaining that those impacted (in these specific cases) stayed in a number of different hotels across Turkey, eating a variety of foods within their resort as part of an all-inclusive holiday package.
Although pinpointed to Turkey, the source of the outbreak has not yet been determined. The UKHSA is liaising with travel association, ABTA; Turkish public health authorities; and other international public health partners.
UKHSA is also working with the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) to ensure appropriate advice is in place for UK travellers.
Ahead of the school summer holidays and in an effort to reduce gastrointestinal infections, UKHSA is reminding people to wash their hands thoroughly, especially after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food.
Gastrointestinal illness can be more severe for pregnant people, adults aged 65+, children aged 5 years or under, and people with underlying health conditions and weakened immune systems.
