Government of Canada announces Salmonella outbreak

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced an outbreak of Salmonella infections in six provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. The source of the outbreak is still unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.

As of April 5, there have been 63 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis illness investigated in the following provinces: British Columbia (23), Alberta (10), Saskatchewan (eight) Manitoba (10), Ontario (10) and Quebec (two).

Individuals became sick between November 2018 and March 2019, with 18 individuals hospitalized. Two deaths have been reported; however, it has not been determined whether Salmonella was related in these deaths. Individuals who became ill are between one- and 87-years-old, while 57 per cent of the cases are female.

Currently, there are no food recalls related to this outbreak.

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 due to a fragile immune systems.

PHAC is continuing its investigation and is reminding consumers to follow food safety guidelines when preparing food at home.