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Kebab house closed after salmonella poisoning outbreak
Peter Dominiczak23 Sep 2009
A west London kebab house has closed while a major salmonella poisoning outbreak is investigated.
A probe was launched after 41 people, including some children, suffered food poisoning and at least 14 cases have been confirmed as potentially fatal salmonella. Victims are aged from seven to 64.
The outbreak is being investigated by the North West London Health Protection Unit plus Hammersmith and Fulham council.
As part of the probe the Shahi Nan Kabab takeaway in Uxbridge Road, Shepherd's Bush, has voluntarily closed. The owners of the takeaway are co-operating with the investigation.
Dr Yimmy Chow, consultant in communicable disease control from the North West London Health Protection Unit, said: “The risk of salmonella is small to those who are in good health but young children, the elderly and people whose immune systems are not working properly have a greater risk of becoming severely ill.
“We are carrying out a full investigation to find the source of the infection and as a precautionary measure we would advise members of the public who bought food items from this takeaway shop and still have them in their fridge not eat the item and throw it away.
“Salmonella is one of the common causes of food poisoning in the UK and whilst the majority of cases are sporadic, outbreaks do occur.”
A Health Protection Agency spokeswoman added: “We can confirm that we are looking into 41 cases, 14 of which are confirmed as salmonella. The restaurant remains closed.” Advice and information about the incident is being sent to London hospitals, north-west London GPs, NHS Direct and pharmacists.
Hammersmith and Fulham council deputy leader Nicholas Botterill said: “We would urge any resident who is concerned that they may have contracted salmonella to contact their GP or other health services.
“In the meantime, the council is continuing to work closely with the Health Protection Agency to establish the cause of the outbreak.”
Salmonella can be spread from person to person by poor hygiene, by failing to wash hands properly after going to the lavatory, or after handling contaminated food.
Symptoms, which last for three to seven days, include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headache, nausea, vomiting and fever.
Most cases recover without treatment, but possible complications include septicaemia or focal infection, such as septic arthritis.
Children and adults should stay away from nursery, school or work for 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped. If you work with vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the young, those in poor health, or if you handle food you will need to inform your employer.
Reader views (2)
damn thats bad bcos they make very good bbq chicken.i would look at other people around there bcos they were running thme out of business.
- Burro, west london, 23/09/2009 20:58
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Thankfully this outbreak appears to have been isolated and contained in time.
Hat's off to the authorities and in particular the Hammersmith and Fulham council who do consistently good work with their limited resources.
- Andrew, Watford, UK, 22/09/2009 16:27
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