The Middlesex-London Health Unit is investigating 14 laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonella reported since last Thursday. Based on a five-year average of salmonella cases reported in August, the Health Unit would expect to see about nine cases over the entire month, so the number of cases reported over a short timeframe is unusual. While the Health Unit continues its investigation and conducts follow-up interviews with those who have become ill, a common food item or circumstance that links the cases has yet to emerge. Those who have become sick range from young children to seniors, who consumed a variety of food items, in multiple locations.

“With people barbequeing and preparing food outdoors, it isn’t uncommon to see a few cases of salmonella in the summer months, but more than a dozen in a week is surprising, which is why we’re trying to determine a cause,” says Stephen Turner, Director of Environmental Health and Infectious Diseases with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Proper food preparation practices, like keeping foods separated, making sure meats are cooked to the proper internal temperature and ensuring cold items stay cold and hot items remain hot, are critical in preventing food-borne illnesses, like salmonella.”

To prevent food-borne illnesses, the Health Unit also recommends:
• Washing hands with warm water and soap before and after handling food;
• Washing cutting boards, utensils, and countertops with hot soapy water after preparing each food item and before going on to the next food;
• Keeping food separate to avoid cross-contamination;
• Keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood and their juices apart from other food items;
• Using a thermometer to make sure food items are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Refrigerating leftovers and takeout foods within two hours and,
• Keeping refrigerators set at 4°C or below.

Salmonella is a bacterial infection characterized by the sudden onset of headache, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and sometimes vomiting. Diarrhea begins six to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food or beverages. Symptoms usually last between four and seven days; most people recover without antibiotic treatment. In some cases, diarrhea can be severe, requiring hospitalization. Salmonella can lead to medical complications in the very young, the very old and those who have certain underlying medical conditions.

Because salmonella can be passed from person to person, individuals suspected of having salmonella are advised not to prepare food for others. They also should not work as food-handlers, health care providers or child care providers until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours. Careful hand washing after using the washroom is recommended.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Stephen Turner, Director of Environmental Health and Infectious Diseases