‘Licking the bowl’ is salmonella risk
So far this year seven cases of Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 has been identified by the HPSC and the National Salmonella Reference Laboratory.
The salmonella has been linked to duck eggs by a public investigation and at least three cases have occurred with children who licked the spoon used by their parents in food preparation.
HPSC specialist in public health medicine, Dr Paul McKeown, said the precise location and extent of the outbreak was not sufficiently clear for the centre to offer guidance on food distribution or recall.
Dr McKeown said the only way to avoid falling ill with salmonella was to ensure all duck eggs were thoroughly cooked and to prevent cross-contamination between any raw egg and ready-to-eat foods. People should wash their hands, any preparation surfaces and cooking utensils after handling or using duck eggs.
Symptoms of Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 infection can include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.
Dr McKeown said anyone with symptoms of the disease should contact their doctor for advice.
