Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Salmonella gecko outbreak
2. Geckos salmonella hospitalizations
A recent public notice in Canada has raised concerns about a salmonella outbreak linked to geckos, spreading across seven provinces including British Columbia. Unlike a previous outbreak associated with snakes and rodents that proved fatal, the gecko-related cases have not resulted in any deaths but have led to five hospitalizations. The outbreak, affecting 35 confirmed cases between March 2020 and January 2024, has predominantly affected women and girls. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has advised practicing good hand hygiene and safe handling of geckos to prevent illness. The agency has also initiated a collaborative investigation to address the increase in reported salmonella illnesses nationwide.
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Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Geckos Spreads Across Canada
In a recent public notice issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), another salmonella outbreak has been identified, this time linked to geckos. This comes on the heels of a previous outbreak linked to snakes and rodents, which tragically resulted in fatalities. However, the gecko-related outbreak, while concerning, has not claimed any lives so far.
Provinces Affected
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The latest outbreak has spread to seven provinces across Canada, including British Columbia. Of the 35 confirmed cases, two have been reported in BC, with the highest number of cases, 18, reported in Ontario.
Timeline of Illness
According to PHAC, individuals have fallen ill with salmonella between March 2020 and January 2024. Alarmingly, two-thirds of the affected individuals are women or girls.
Source of the Outbreak
PHAC has identified exposure to geckos as a likely source of the outbreak. The agency has advised individuals to practice good hand hygiene, frequent handwashing, and safe handling of geckos and their environments to prevent further illnesses.
Investigation and Prevention
In response to the increase in salmonella illnesses across Canada, PHAC has initiated a collaborative outbreak investigation. Through whole genome sequencing, it was determined that some salmonella illnesses dating back to 2020 were caused by the same outbreak strain as those in 2024. Symptoms of salmonella include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and abdominal cramps.
Spread and Severity
People infected with salmonella bacteria can unknowingly spread the illness to others, even if they are asymptomatic. Salmonella can spread through person-to-person contact and contaminated surfaces. While most individuals recover from a Salmonella infection without treatment, severe cases can lead to hospitalization.
As the investigation into the gecko-related salmonella outbreak continues, PHAC urges the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the illness.