Surge in Campylobacter and Salmonella Infections Reported in England

The latest annual data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has unveiled a concerning increase in Campylobacter and Salmonella infections across England. With the country battling rising infection numbers, public health officials are urging communities to adopt stringent food safety practices.

Significant Rise in Salmonella Cases

In 2024, Salmonella infections have reached a ten-year high, recording a staggering 17.1% increase from 2023. The number of reported cases rose from 8,872 to 10,388.

Campylobacter Infection Data

Similarly, Campylobacter cases have also seen a 17.1% rise, going from 60,055 in 2023 to 70,352 in 2024—marking the highest cases in a decade.

Both Salmonella and Campylobacter are typically contracted through the consumption of contaminated food and can also spread through close personal contact and cross-contamination in kitchens.

Salmonella Statistics and Affected Demographics

The main culprits contributing to Salmonella infections are two serovars: Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium, both of which have increased in prevalence. Public health reports indicate that, apart from these two, Salmonella Newport and Salmonella Java infections rose, while Salmonella Infantis reports saw a decline.

Geographically, all regions except the South West saw increased Salmonella laboratory reports per 100,000 population, with London having the highest incidence at over 2,150 cases, while the North East reported only 502 cases. Females comprised slightly more than half of reported cases, with children under 9 years being the most affected age group.

Outbreak Insights

The UKHSA reported a total of seven Salmonella outbreaks in 2024, resulting in 304 cases. Key highlights include:

• Two Salmonella Typhimurium outbreaks, affecting 109 and 29 individuals respectively, with one linked to red meat.
• Salmonella Enteritidis outbreaks traced back to restaurant-served eggs, affecting 24 people.
• A Salmonella Blockley outbreak linked to tomatoes, affecting 81, with suspicions around a Salmonella Strathcona outbreak involving 24 cases.
• An untraceable Salmonella Anatum outbreak resulted in 37 sick individuals.

Campylobacter Findings and Recommendations

Dr. Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director of Gastrointestinal Infections at UKHSA, commented on the rising illness levels, emphasizing effective preventative measures such as:

• Thorough handwashing with soap and water, particularly after handling raw meat and before meals.
• Avoiding food preparation when experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, and refraining from returning to work or school until at least 48 hours after symptoms have subsided.

The North East region faced the highest Campylobacter report rates, while the East Midlands had the lowest. In 2024, the South East reported over 13,500 Campylobacter cases, in contrast to the East Midlands’ 4,838.

Demographic Breakdown of Campylobacter Infections

Among reported Campylobacter cases, males made up 55%, with the most affected demographic being individuals aged 50 to 79 years. The majority of isolated specimens were identified as Campylobacter jejuni (90%), followed by Campylobacter coli (11.2%).

Conclusion

The UKHSA notes that the increase in case numbers is attributed to various factors including enhanced testing, shifts in food supply chains, and changes in consumer food handling behaviors.

Furthermore, nine additional outbreaks with 122 cases were reported in 2024; significant incidents included three outbreak cases totalling 25 at restaurants tied to chicken liver pâté, and a stadium outbreak affecting 61 people also related to chicken liver parfait.

As Dr. James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at FSA, mentions, “The FSA is collaborating closely with UKHSA to assess foodborne disease data trends and devise necessary actions to safeguard public health.” Keeping the public informed and educated plays a pivotal role in mitigating these constant risks.

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