Fort William restaurant is salmonella suspect

A Chinese restaurant in Fort William in the Scottish Highlands is thought to be the source of a salmonella outbreak that has hospitalised four victims.

Most of a total of 27 people suffering from vomiting, diarrhoea and aching limbs had eaten at the Highland Star Chinese restaurant between 17-20 September.

Highland NHS consultant Dr Ken Oates said that the owner had decided to close the restaurant on Monday lunchtime (24 September) following consultation with health authorities. The restaurant's answerphone says it is closed for renovation.

Oates said: "The usual incubation period of salmonella is 12-36 hours. No other cases have come in, so it would seem the outbreak has been limited to those present patients who are in a satisfactory condition."

He added: "We're still investigating the potential food source of the outbreak."