The Public Health Agency of Canada said it is working with federal and provincial health partners to investigate an outbreak of salmonella infections in eight provinces, including Manitoba.
“At this time, no source has been identified and the investigation is ongoing,” said the agency.
Still, it causes concerns for Dr. Rick Holley, a distinguished professor in the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, “it's been going on since June, and it's now October, and we're still no further ahead in finding out what it is that is causing this problem"
Canada’s Public Health Agency said that the risk to Canadians is low.
"Currently, there are 34 cases of Salmonella Infantis illness in eight provinces: British Columbia (3), Alberta (6), Saskatchewan (2), Manitoba (2), Ontario (16), Quebec (3) Nova Scotia (1), and New Brunswick (1). Individuals became sick between June 12 and September 20, 2015," said the agency.
“It’s common across the country” said Dr. Holley, “the same DNA finger print on that salmonella is coming up, and so there is a common cause, and it would really be unfortunate if we don’t find out what the cause of that is.”
Health officials couldn’t confirm on Friday where in Manitoba the cases were reported.
"The majority of cases (62%) are female, with an average age of 41 years. Eight people have been hospitalized, and all have recovered or are recovering. No deaths have been reported."
More information on salmonella and guarding against it is available on the Public Health Agency of Canada website.
