24.12.2015

The Public Health Agency of Canada is monitoring an outbreak of Salmonella infections. Currently, there are 98 cases of Salmonella infantis illness in nine provinces: British Columbia (7), Alberta (12), Saskatchewan (2), Manitoba (2), Ontario (57), Quebec (14) Nova Scotia (2), Prince Edward Island (1) and New Brunswick (1). Individuals became sick between March 15 and December 12, 2015. The majority of cases (60%) are female, with an average age of 40 years. Sixteen people have been hospitalized, and all have recovered or are recovering. No deaths have been reported. 
Information provided by individuals who became sick indicates that some illnesses may have been caused by improperly handling and repackaging raw poultry products. Other individuals who were sick reported consuming various brands and types of chicken. A sample of raw chicken taken from the home of an individual who was sick has tested positive for the same strain of Salmonella Infantis which suggests raw chicken is the likely source of the outbreak.