Watermelons in salmonella probe

Experts are investigating whether watermelons are linked to an outbreak of salmonella across the Ireland and the UK.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said it is investigating the potential source of infection after four cases of Salmonella Newport were confirmed in Ireland.

Early indications suggest a possible link with watermelon.

However the FSAI said the last Irish case occured at the beginning of January, suggesting there is no longer contaminated product on the market.

Consumers who feel unwell after eating watermelon are advised to consult their GP as a precaution

Britain's Health Protection Agency (HPA) said 30 people in England, Wales and the North have been infected since the beginning of December – three times higher than is normally expected in a two-month period.

In Scotland there have been another five cases and 15 reported in Germany.

All have a strain of Salmonella Newport infection.

One person has died although they had serious underlying health complications, the HPA said.

Some 70% of cases have involved women and the east of England is the region most affected.

Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever and people usually get better in four to seven days.

Some may need antibiotics and complications include blood poisoning or a localised infection.