Alert over potentially deadly sickness bug that's hospitalised 5 - full list of symptoms

Health officials have warned of a Salmonella outbreak that could be deadly and has already hospitalised five people. Twenty people have fallen ill, including 13 children, in the "small outbreak" being investigated by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). in the North West of England, the West Midlands, the South West and the East of England since February.

The East Midlands, the North East, , and the South East all recorded a case each, with a further two in Northern Ireland and Wales, and one in Scotland. Salmonella is a common bacterial infection that causes food poisoning. It is typically contracted by eating raw or uncooked food, particularly meat, poultry and eggs, or other foods .

While it usually isn't life-threatening, it can be , especially infants, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, according to .

In severe cases, Salmonella can spread to the bloodstream and cause complications that can be fatal if not treated quickly with antibiotics, according to .

Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, said: "UKHSA is investigating a small outbreak of Salmonella and no cases have been identified since March 2025.

"Gastrointestinal bacteria, such as Salmonella, can be spread from person to person as well as from food, so anyone with diarrhoea or vomiting should wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and avoid handling food or preparing food for others where possible."

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Chills
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting