Salmonella outbreak in Wrexham, UK - Unknown source

Wrexham, Wales, United Kingdom

Update August 31, 2023

A Salmonella outbreak in Wrexham was linked to The Nags Head public house has been officially closed by health authorities. Public Health Wales initiated an investigation into a series of Salmonella cases connected to the venue. A collaborative Outbreak Control Team (OCT), comprised of representatives from Public Health Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, and Wrexham Council’s Environmental Health Team, was formed. The OCT confirmed a total of 33 confirmed and genomically identical cases of Salmonella infection, along with 1 probable case, all associated with The Nags Head. Control measures were implemented on July 31, including voluntary closure, thorough cleaning, and staff testing. No new cases were reported after the implementation of these measures. Despite extensive investigation, the precise source and transmission route of the infections could not be definitively identified.

Source: www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23759243.salmonella-outbreak-linked-wrexham-venue-declared-closed/

August 01, 2023

Health chiefs in North Wales have confirmed a Salmonella outbreak. Public Health Wales (PHW), in collaboration with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Wrexham County Borough Council, is investigating a group of cases in Wrexham.

The outbreak prompted the formation of a multi-agency Outbreak Control Team (OCT) comprising the council, PHW, and the health board. Their objective is to pinpoint the source of the infection and manage its spread. Richard Firth, a public health consultant at PHW and chair of the OCT, explained that their mission is to curtail risk and determine the origins of the disease.

Firth revealed that the outbreak was discovered following several reports of individuals experiencing similar symptoms, mainly watery and sometimes bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and fever. These are common symptoms for a type of illness typically referred to as 'food poisoning', which Salmonella is known to cause. The team is making concerted efforts to not only handle the current situation but also prevent future outbreaks.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.

In case you are experiencing Salmonella symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/salmonella-outbreak-confirmed-north-wales-27435657