CASES of salmonella poisoning have continued to increase in Guernsey during the past week. Last month saw 18 cases alone, compared to 2006 when the average number recorded was just four patients a month.
Director of public health Dr David Jeffs (pictured) said it could not yet be classified as an outbreak but warned of the risks. The cases have not been traced back to a single source, but investigations by Environmental Health are continuing.
‘I can confirm that there have been further cases in the last week,’ he said. ‘This is why it is essential that the public are given the right advice about how to reduce the risks of contracting salmonella.’
He warned that cases could escalate due to the warm weather. ‘We still don’t know what the origin is, so in the meantime we need to provide the public with the right information.’
Salmonella is a bacterium associated with eggs and poultry.
Until the introduction of food hygiene standards, it was relatively common.
Dr Jeffs said the condition could be quite serious.
‘This year we have had three cases of salmonella bacteraemia.
‘These have been so severe that the patients have needed treatment with intravenous fluids and antibiotics, whilst one was sufficiently unwell as to require transfer for treatment off-island.
‘Older people and children can be particularly severely affected.’
Public Health is working closely with the States Vet, the Commerce and Employment Department’s agricultural and horticultural adviser, the Veterinary Laboratory Agency in Exeter, and Professor Peter Hawkey, a microbiologist at the Birmingham Heartlands NHS Trust, who is the link with the Health Protection Agency.
Article posted on 24th May, 2008 - 9.29am
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