Salmonella Cubana Outbreak

August 21, 2009

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is working with provincial and local health authorities, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to investigate a small outbreak of Salmonella Cubana.

In Canada to date, there have been 13 cases across three provinces (7 in
Ontario, 5 in Alberta and 1 in British Columbia). Among the 12 persons with known illness onset dates, illnesses began between April  15, 2009  and July 26, 2009. 

On August 9th, CFIA issued a Health Hazard Alert for certain Sprouts Alive and Sunsprout brand onion sprouts and mixed onion/alfalfa sprouts due to possible contamination with Salmonella.
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/2009/20090809e.shtml

A second CFIA alert was issued on August 19th for related sprout products:

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/2009/20090819be.shtml

A few of the people who became ill have reported eating these sprouts.  PHAC is working with local/provincial public health authorities and CFIA to gather more specific information on the type of sprouts and to try to determine the source of illness in the remaining cases.

Provincial and federal health authorities will continue to monitor for additional cases of illness.  The number of cases associated with this outbreak may increase as the investigation continues. 

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.

PHAC’s standard advice for people at high risk for serious health effects from foodborne illness (young children, seniors, or people with weak immune systems), is to avoid eating raw sprouts.

Salmonella Cubana 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 can 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 wash their hands thoroughly after handling their pets, pet treats and other items (e.g. food and water bowls, aquariums, etc) and to keep pet aquariums and cages clean. 

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/

HC – Its Your Health “Risks Associated with Sprouts”
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/food-aliment/sprouts-germes-eng.php

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