Salmonellosis - Canada

Salmonellosis – Canada

February 19, 2021
2 min read

Public Health Canada warns of salmonella outbreak in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

57 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis illness were confirmed, of which 25 are in Newfoundland and Labrador, and 32 in Nova Scotia. 68 per cent of those infected were female, and cases were detected in individuals aged between two and 98.

The individuals became sick between late October 2020 and January 2021. Nineteen of them have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported to date.

In October, a recall was issued for eggs from Hilly Acres Farm in Nova Scotia due to possible salmonella contamination. This recall was issued after test results provided by the company. According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the products were distributed across Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.

Some individuals who became sick in this outbreak reported exposure to recalled eggs. However, there are a number of recent ill individuals that do not.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is continuing a food safety investigation and will update its food recall warnings if other high-risk products are recalled.

Photo: Salmonella (red) invading human cells.

Infection with salmonella in developed countries generally results in food poisoning. The organisms enter through the digestive tract and must be ingested in large numbers to cause disease in healthy adults. Between 60% to 80% of salmonella infections cases go un-diagnosed.

Risk factors for salmonella infections include a variety of foods. Meats such as chicken and pork have the possibility to be contaminated. A variety of vegetables and sprouts may also have salmonella. Lastly, a variety of processed foods such as chicken nuggets and pot pies may also contain this bacteria.

Salmonella was first visualized in 1880. The name Salmonella was not used until 1900.

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