The city of Toronto, in Ontario, Canada, usually has about 70 cases of salmonellosis in January and February. But this year, there have been 114 cases of the illness because of three outbreaks.
There is a higher chance of person-to-person transmission because of this larger number of cases. Because of this increase, Toronto Public Health is recommending that health care providers should consider tests for salmonellosis when a patient comes in complaining of gastroenteritis symptoms. The only way to diagnose salmonellosis is with a culture.
A large event February 11 in York resulted in an outbreak of Salmonella typhimiurium. Victims are still reporting illness.
Salmonella enteriditis was spread after some Canadians traveled to Cuba.
An outbreak of Salmonella heidelberg across the area is still being investigated by Public Health Ontario
Because the risk of person-to-person transmission is increased, be sure to always wash your hands before and after handling food, and to stay away from others when you’re sick.
If anyone does contract salmonellosis, stay at home for 24 hours after symptoms have disappeared. Some people working in high risk environments such as child care or elderly facilities may want to be cleared with two negative cultures before returning to work.
Salmonella can cause serious complications and can sometimes be fatal. Even healthy people can become quite ill. Complications can develop when the bacteria enters the bloodstream and can result in endocarditis, aneurysms, and arthritis.
