2023-11-11 21:31:51
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) says it is investigating an outbreak of extensively resistant salmonellosis in six provinces, including Quebec and New Brunswick.
Provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada are participating in this investigation.
According to PHAC, a large number of those sickened are children aged 5 or younger. She adds that “infections associated with the strain responsible for this outbreak may be difficult to treat with commonly recommended antibiotics.”
So far, two sources have been established. The first is exposure to raw foods prepared for pets. The second is contact with cattle, especially calves.
As the investigation continues, other sources could be discovered, warns the PHAC in its press release published Saturday afternoon.
As of November 11, PHAC reports 40 confirmed cases of extensively drug-resistant salmonellosis spread across six provinces. Quebec, with 21 cases, is the most affected province, followed by Ontario (14) and Nova Scotia (2). Manitoba, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have each recorded one case.
Infected people became ill between July 2020 and September 2023. Thirteen people were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Just under half (43%) of cases are children aged 5 or younger.
The PHAC takes this opportunity to remind you that “salmonella can be present in raw pet foods and in many species of animals, including dogs and cattle.” She recommends always using “safe food handling practices” when preparing, cooking or storing raw pet foods.
She says she does not recommend “feeding pets raw pet food, particularly in households with young children or people with weakened immune systems, due to the increased risk of serious illness.” .
And if you go to a farm or petting zoo, PHAC advises washing your hands as soon as you leave areas reserved for animals, even if you have not had direct contact with animals.
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