The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Canadian Public Health Agency are currently working to identify another possible outbreak of Salmonella, this time in Canada. Six Cases of Salmonella Poona have been identified, that have the same genetic fingerprint, and another 14 cases are being investigated to determine if they are related.
Salmonella Poona carries the same symptoms that other Salmonella strains have. The symptoms are usually nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. The symptoms begin within one to three days of eating contaminated food and last for two to five days. Salmonella illness seldom causes serious problems in healthy people, but can be fatal in children, the elderly, and persons with immune system impairment such as persons with diabetes, HIV, persons undergoing chemotherapy or taking any form of immune system altering drugs such as steroids or immunosuppressants.
Salmonella bacteria is found all foods but most commonly in produce, poultry, and dairy products. Pets, such as turtles and reptiles, can also carry and transmit the virus. Pet owners should keep aquariums clean and wash hands after handling pets or cleaning up after them. Pets should be kept out of food preparation areas.
Tips to help prevent foodborne illness include:
- Wash hands using hot soapy water before preparing food and again before eating.
- Keep raw meat from coming into contact with other foods. Wash all utensils that contact raw meat thoroughly after use in hot soapy water.
- Cook all eggs and egg products thoroughly before consumption. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products.
- Read the labels on prepared foods and check for an expiration date.
- Used leftovers within four days of preparation. Do not leave food sitting out after eating for longer than 2 hours, 1 hour if the temperature is greater than 90 degrees F.
- Reheat prepared foods or leftovers until steaming hot before consumption. Keep the temperature of your refrigerator below 40 degrees F.
Anyone who has symptoms of Salmonella illness and feel that they are becoming seriously ill or the ill person is a child, elder person, or has an immune system related health problem should seek the advice of their health care professional at once.
Please note: The information in this article is not to be followed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal health and necessary treatments.
