The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has warned that: Salmonella outbreaks in eight states have been associated with snakes and their prey rodents.
Health officials say they are working with state health officials to combat the ongoing infection as new cases continue to be reported.
According to PHAC, as of 13 April, there are 45 confirmed cases of salmonella in the country. Affected people fell ill between February 2022 and he March 2023.
Here is where every known case of the disease has been seen in Canada by province:
- Ontario – 22
- Quebec – 11
- Alberta – 5
- Manitoba – 3
- British Columbia – 1
- Saskatchewan – 1
- New Brunswick – 1
- Newfoundland and Labrador – 1
PHAC says some sick people had direct or indirect contact with snakes and rodents used to feed reptiles before becoming ill.
So far, one person has died from salmonellosis and nine have been hospitalized. Of her 45 who contracted salmonella, 9 are her children under the age of 5.
“Using a laboratory method called whole-genome sequencing, several salmonella diseases dating back to 2022 were determined to have the same genotype as the disease that emerged in 2023,” said PHAC. Read the notice of.
Anyone can get salmonella, but young children, the elderly, pregnant or those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness, according to PHAC.
According to the PHAC, most people who get salmonella recover after about four to seven days, and while some don’t feel sick at all, they can spread the disease to others.
“Reptiles and rodents can carry Salmonella. You can become infected with Salmonella by touching reptiles and rodents, their food and environment, and by touching your face, eyes and mouth without washing your hands. Yes,” the PHAC notice said.
To protect yourself from Salmonella, PHAC says to follow these guidelines:
- Always wash your hands after going near or touching reptiles and rodents.
- Clean everything touched by reptiles and rodents with soapy water and disinfectant
- Never kiss pet rodents or reptiles
- For more information, Visit government website.
Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, chills, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, nausea and/or vomiting. It usually begins 6 to 72 hours after exposure to bacteria. In some cases, you may need to be hospitalized for a serious illness, or you may need antibiotics to fight an infection.
PHAC says people with symptoms or underlying medical conditions should contact their health care provider if they think they have a salmonella infection.
