Alberta Health Services has issued an an advisory about a Salmonella outbreak in southwestern Alberta, Canada. More than 30 cases have been reported, mostly in rural areas. Many of the infections are secondary, meaning it is spreading person-to-person.
The symptoms of this infection include diarrhea that may be bloody, abdominal cramps and fever, and nausea and vomiting in some cases. Symptoms usually begin six to seventy-two hours after infection. Some people can be carriers of the bacteria and show no symptoms at all. This illness can last for weeks and cause dehydration, which can be serious and even fatal.
The most common cause of a Salmonella infection is consuming foods contaminated with the bacteria. The foods most often contaminated include raw or undercooked eggs, meat, poultry, and raw fruits and vegetables. The bacteria can easily contaminate other surfaces. Food handlers who don’t wash their hands with soap and water can contaminate food and kitchen surfaces.
It’s critical that everyone practice good hygiene, including washing your hands thoroughly before, during, and after preparing food. Don’t prepare food for others while you are sick. And stay home if you have diarrhea or are vomiting. Alberta residents an contact Health Link Alberta and speak to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-866-408-LINK.
