RESIDENTS in East Lancashire worried about salmonella poisoning can now contact a helpline number for information.

People with general concerns about the infection can telephone 0800 665544 between 9am and 9pm.

Healthwise issued the number after a further two cases of the salmonella virchow poisoning were reported to the East Lancashire Health Authority yesterday, taking the total sufferers to 23.

A consultant said today there was no evidence to suggest it was a continuing problem and said the victims had come forward as a result of recent publicity.

At least 13 people infected were directly linked to a sandwich and cooked meat premises in Hyndburn, which health officers were today refusing to name.

The two new sufferers were both from Burnley and one was definitely connected to the same store.

The premises were checked by Hyndburn environmental health officers early in the investigation into the outbreak, who said they were now satisfied with food hygiene standards.

Dr Roberta Marshall, consultant in communicable disease control for East Lancashire Health Authority, said: "We had another two cases reported to us yesterday and as far as we've been able to follow up, one does tie in with the same premises.

"There's no evidence to suggest there is any sort of continuing problem."

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