More than a dozen new cases reported in Canada-wide mystery salmonella investigation

More salmonella infections have been found in a handful of provinces after more than a dozen new cases were reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

According to the agency, 16 new cases were reported across five provinces: Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

The addition of these new cases now makes 79 in total as of December 6: two in Ontario, 11 in Manitoba, four in Saskatchewan, 28 in Alberta and 34 in British Columbia.

The source of the infection has not yet been confirmed and the investigation is ongoing.

Investigators do say, however, that the illnesses reported in Ontario were related to travel to Alberta and British Columbia.

Many of the individuals who became sick reported eating fresh avocados purchased from grocery stores or served at restaurants before their illness.

Investigation findings to date have identified that these avocados have been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

More information is needed to confirm the source of the outbreak, however.

The outbreak, PHAC said, appears to be ongoing, as illnesses continue to be reported.

PHAC is issuing the public health notice to inform residents and businesses in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba of the investigation findings to date so that they can make informed decisions.

At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that residents in other provinces and territories are affected by this outbreak.

Individuals started becoming sick between early September 2021 and mid-November. Four individuals have been hospitalized.

No deaths have been reported.

People who became ill are between the ages of five and 89.

The majority of cases — 63 per cent — are female.

Symptoms of salmonella infection typically start six to 72 hours after exposure to salmonella bacteria from an infected animal or contaminated product.

Symptoms of an infection include:

• fever
• chills
• diarrhea
• abdominal cramps
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting

These symptoms usually last for four to seven days in healthy people and often clear up without treatment — however, sometimes, antibiotics may be required.

In some cases, severe illness may happen and hospitalization may be needed.

People with a salmonella infection can be infectious from several days to several weeks.

People who experience symptoms, or who may have underlying medical conditions, should contact their health care provider if they suspect they have a salmonella infection.