HPR volume 17 issue 8: news (20 July 2023)
Updated 28 December 2023
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Multi-cluster investigation of Salmonella Enteritidis in travellers returning from Turkey
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected a number of clusters of gastrointestinal illness in travellers returning from Turkey, the majority of these with travel to the Antalya region. There are five 5-single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) clusters which have been identified as closely genetically related strains of Salmonella Enteritidis using whole genome sequencing, with 3 clusters also related at the 25-SNP level and the remaining 2 at the 10-SNP level, which indicates a likely common source of infection.
In total across the 5 clusters, between 15 January and 19 July 2023 there have been 241 confirmed cases with Salmonella Enteritidis infection, the majority of these with specimen collection dates from April onwards. Many of these cases report travel to Turkey. Fifty-six percent of cases in these clusters are male and the median age of cases is 29 years old. Of the 93 cases for which detailed, confirmed travel information is available, these cases report staying in a number of different hotels in Turkey and most cases report eating a wide variety of different foods within their hotel resort as part of an all-inclusive holiday package.
While salmonella infections usually resolve with self-care at home, they can be more serious in young children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals (because of illness, underlying conditions and/or medical treatments). As the source of illness has not been identified and investigations are ongoing, ahead of the school summer holidays, UKHSA is reminding people of simple steps they can take to reduce the risk of contracting gastrointestinal infections while travelling abroad including washing hands thoroughly, especially after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food.
Recently prepared, thoroughly cooked food that is served piping hot, fruit that can be peeled by the traveller (such as bananas and oranges), and pasteurised dairy produce such as yoghurts, milk and cheese are good options for travellers. Ensure perishable foods are kept cool in the fridge or freezer where possible. People feeling unwell with gastrointestinal illness should avoid preparing food or drinks for others until they are free of symptoms. More advice is available on the TravelHealthPro website.
UKHSA is liaising with ABTA, Turkish public health authorities and other international public health partners to inform investigations of these clusters. UKHSA is also working with the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) to ensure appropriate advice is in place for UK travellers.
Vaccine coverage reports
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) coverage report, England, April 2021 to March 2022
Shingles vaccine coverage (England): report for quarter 3 of the financial year 2022 to 2023