MONTRÉAL – Health Canada and provincial agencies are investigating an outbreak of salmonellosis cases in eight provinces linked to snakes and rodents used to feed reptiles.
Between February 2022 and February 2024, Health Canada reported 70 cases of Salmonella infection in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Nearly half of the reports come from Ontario, while in Quebec, 11 cases have been reported.
In a press release, Health Canada states that “several infected individuals report having had direct or indirect contact with snakes and feeder rodents before the onset of the illness.” Other people who contracted salmonellosis did not directly touch or handle the snakes or rodents, but “lived in a house where there were some.”
Symptoms can appear 6 to 72 hours after being exposed to the Salmonella bacteria, says Health Canada. They include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and abdominal cramps.
Among the reported cases, ten people have been hospitalized and one person has died from this disease, according to Health Canada.
The agency reminds that infected individuals remain contagious for several days, and sometimes several weeks, after contracting the bacteria.
To reduce the risk of contagion, Health Canada recommends, among other things, to wash hands thoroughly with water and soap after coming into contact with reptiles, rodents, or their environment. The agency also suggests cleaning surfaces and objects touched by pet reptiles and rodents and avoiding kissing them.
The outbreak is still ongoing and Health Canada encourages anyone experiencing symptoms to consult a doctor.
#Santé #Canada #signale #une #éclosion #salmonellose #liée #des #reptiles #des #rongeurs
2024-03-20 03:02:28
