The Public Health Agency of Canada says one person has died in an ongoing salmonella outbreak linked to contact with snakes and prey rodents that began more than two years ago.
From February 2022 to February 2024, there were 10 hospitalizations and 70 confirmed infections in eight provinces, with nearly half of those in Ontario.
“Many of those who became ill report direct or indirect contact with snakes or feeding rodents (used as bait for reptiles) before the onset of illness,” Public Canada said. the Department of Health said in its report. Public notice Tuesday.
“Some of the people who became ill did not touch or handle the snakes or prey rodents themselves, and some lived in the same homes where the snakes and rodents were kept. ”
The cases are in Ontario (32), Quebec (11), Alberta (10), Saskatchewan (7), British Columbia (3), Manitoba (3), and Newfoundland and Labrador. (3) and New Brunswick (1).
Thirteen cases involved children under 5 years of age.
PHAC did not identify the state where the death was recorded, but said, “State public health partners have confirmed Salmonella as the cause of death.”
Public health agencies have not yet identified common sources of snakes or rodent prey, it added.
“The salmonellosis outbreaks dating back to 2022 were caused by the same outbreak strains as the illnesses that occurred in 2023 and 2024,” the report reads.
PHAC added that a “joint” outbreak investigation was launched last spring due to an increase in reports of Salmonella infections across Canada.
Health officials recommend that washing your hands frequently after coming into contact with snakes, prey rodents, and their living spaces is a good way to prevent illness.
“This outbreak is a reminder that Salmonella can be present in many animal species, including snakes and prey rodents.”
