The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak of salmonella that has seen 34 infections reported in eight provinces.
Eight Canadians have been hospitalized and are recovering, and no deaths have been reported. Individuals became sick between June 12 and Sept. 20.
The source is unknown and under investigation.
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According to PHAC, the case breakdown by province is:
British Columbia (3)
Alberta (6)
Saskatchewan (2)
Manitoba (2)
Ontario (16)
Quebec (3)
Nova Scotia (1)
New Brunswick (1)
Sixty-two percent of cases are female patients, with an average age of 41.
According to PHAC, “Anyone can become sick with a salmonella infection, but infants, children, seniors and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness, and can get sick more easily than others.”
“Most people who become ill from a salmonella infection will recover fully after a few days. It is possible for some people to be infected with the bacteria and not get sick or show any symptoms, but still be able to spread the infection to others.”
According to PHAC, the symptoms of a salmonella infection typically start 6 to 72 hours after ingesting the bacteria, and symptoms include:
- fever
- chills
- diarrhea
- abdominal cramps
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
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