Salmonella outbreak sickens six Albertans

The Public Health Agency of Canada announced last week that the Cyclospora outbreak that affected almost 100 has now been declared over and the investigation has been closed.

A public health notice was issued to Canadians as no source has been identified as the cause of the outbreak.

Salmonella bacteria are found naturally in the intestines of animals, reptiles and birds.

Six Albertans are among the 34 people nationwide who became ill between June and September. It is most often transmitted to people when they eat contaminated foods.

Those foods can include poultry, beef, milk and eggs, but fruits, vegetables and herbs can also be contaminated with the bug. The majority of cases (62%) are female, with an average age of 41 years.

“No deaths have been reported”, said the PHAC in a statement. Two cases were hospitalized, and are recovered or recovering.

It is possible for a few people to be infected with the bacteria and not get sick or show any symptoms but still be able to spread the infection to others.