Distributed by e-mail on August 26, 2016

The Middlesex-London Health Unit is investigating 14 new laboratory-confirmed salmonella cases reported since Thursday, August 18th. This number is unusual and exceeds the August average substantially. 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.

To prevent food-borne illnesses such as salmonella, 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.

Should any of your patients present with symptoms of salmonellosis, please contact the Infectious Diseases Control team at 519-663-5317, extension 2330.