18 August 2026
Health officials across the United Kingdom are investigating a nationwide outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis that has infected over 200 people, led to dozens of hospitalizations, and resulted in one death.
According to a report published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), whole genome sequencing (WGS) identified a single-strain cluster (t5.9411) responsible for 207 confirmed cases across England (199), Scotland (6), Wales (1), and Northern Ireland (1) as of mid-August 2026. While most experienced typical gastrointestinal symptoms, 38% of patients with available clinical data required hospitalization, two developed bloodstream infections, and one fatality has been recorded. To date, egg consumption has emerged as the strongest common exposure signal, with supply chain tracings pointing toward imported eggs rather than domestic UK production. Genomic analysis further ties this cluster to a previous Salmonella outbreak in late 2025 that was also associated with imported eggs.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Health Protection Report, Volume 20, Issue 8: National outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis (t5.9411) in the UK (18 August 2026).
