Published Thursday, 02 February 2012
Watermelons have been linked to the current outbreak. (© Getty)
One case of the bug - which, like other strains of Salmonella, causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever - has been reported in Northern Ireland.
There are also five known cases south of the border.
Although it’s too soon to say with certainty what the likely cause of infection is, early indications suggest that a number of people became unwell after eating watermelon.
Dr Bob Adak, HPA
But the total of 30 sufferers in Northern Ireland, England and Wales is a significant jump on the usual average number of cases for the time of year - by comparison, there were just 11 cases in 2010.
According to the Health Protection Agency, those affected range in age from six months to 85 years and one person with serious underlying health complications has died.
"It's important to remember the risk of becoming unwell after eating watermelon is very low," Dr Bob Apak from the Health Protection Agency said.
"These cases only represent a very small proportion of total consumption.
"It is always advisable to wash fruits and vegetables - including watermelon - before consumption to reduce the risk of possible illness."
Investigations into the exact cause of the outbreak are continuing, with the link to watermelon possible but as yet unconfirmed.
Most Salmonella cases resolve within four to seven days, but some people may need a course of antibiotics. Complications can include septicemia or a localised infection.