Public advised of Salmonella outbreak

The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak of Salmonella in eight provinces.

The outbreak is linked to snakes and feeder rodents.

Salmonellosis is not only a foodborne illness, but it can also occur if a person does not properly wash their hands after handling pets and farm animals, such as pet reptiles or baby chicks.

Health officials in this province recently identified an individual that became ill from Salmonella Typhimurium. A second case in Newfoundland and Labrador linked to the national outbreak was confirmed on April 12.

Many of the individuals who became sick reported having direct or indirect contact with snakes and feeder rodents before their illnesses occurred.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection often include sudden onset of headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, fever, and sometimes vomiting. It may also cause severe dehydration, especially among infants or seniors. Severe complications and deaths resulting from Salmonellosis are uncommon but may occur in the very young, the very old, or people who are immunocompromised.