Salmonella Carrau Outbreak - Final Update

May 22, 2009

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) worked with provincial and local health authorities, Health Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate a North American gastro-intestinal outbreak of Salmonella Carrau from March 18 to May 6, 2009
.
In Canada, there were a total of 35 cases across eight provinces (Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia).  The last date a case reported symptoms was April 19. 

The source of the outbreak was not determined.  

For most people, the risk posed by Salmonella infections is low.  Salmonella is the most frequently reported cause of food-related outbreaks of stomach illness worldwide.

Salmonella Carrau causes the same illnesses as other species of Salmonella. Symptoms generally occur within six to 72 hours after ingestion of the bacteria through food, water or other environmental sources, and will last two to five days. Symptoms include: 

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal cramps
• fever  

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in some people, such as children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems.  People from these at-risk groups who may have experienced symptoms should consult their healthcare provider.

Salmonella can be present on a variety of foods, including:

• eggs and poultry,
• unpasteurized milk,
• raw fruits and vegetables,
• sprouts and nuts. 

PHAC reminds all Canadians to take precautions when preparing food:

• Always wash fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them,
• Clean counters and cutting boards,
• Wash your hands regularly,  
• Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot, and
• Cook foods to appropriate internal temperatures. 

Salmonella can also be carried by animals.  PHAC reminds pet owners to keep their aquariums clean and to wash their hands thoroughly after handling their pets.  Contaminated water can also be a source.

It is important to take these precautions at all times, not just during an outbreak.

For more information about food safety please visit:

Health Canada or the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

http://www.canfightbac.org/en/

The Agency will keep Canadians informed as new information becomes available.