Salmonella outbreak sickens 34 Canadians across the country, sends 8 to hospital

TORONTO – The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak of salmonella infections in eight provinces, which has sent eight people to hospital.

The agency is still looking for the source of the bacterial infection, which has sickened 34 Canadians across the country between June 12 and Sept. 20.

No deaths have been reported and the eight people who were hospitalized have either recovered or are recovering.

Salmonella bacteria are found naturally in the intestines of animals, reptiles and birds, and the disease is most often transmitted to people when they eat contaminated foods.

Those foods can include poultry, beef, milk and eggs, but fruits, vegetables and herbs can also be contaminated with the bug.

The risk of infection is low, but Canadians are advised to make sure food is cooked to the proper internal temperature and ensure that fresh fruits and vegetables are washed well before being eaten.

Here is a breakdown of cases by province:

— British Columbia: three

— Alberta: six

— Saskatchewan and Manitoba: two each

— Ontario: 16

— Quebec: three

— Nova Scotia and New Brunswick: one each.

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On the web: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/phn-asp/2015/salmonella-infantis-eng.php