2024-09-28 01:36:12
Public Health has opened an investigation into an outbreak of Salmonella Muenchen infections, which may have been contracted after contact with reptiles, such as geckos.
The person infected with salmonellosis is contagious and may experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and sudden headache.
Most symptoms disappear within four to seven days, but some people may develop a more severe form.
To prevent illness, Health Canada advises washing your hands frequently, especially after contact with reptiles, and avoiding touching your face, eyes or mouth.
It is also possible to contract the disease by touching contaminated surfaces or objects.
This is the second gecko-related outbreak reported in 2024.
A total of 25 confirmed cases of Salmonella Muenchen have been reported in this outbreak in British Columbia (1), Alberta (2), Manitoba (1), Nova Scotia (3) and Newfoundland -and Labrador (3).
Ontario is the province with the most cases (13) and Quebec has 2.
The people became ill between August 2020 and September 2024. Three people were hospitalized and one person died.
“It is likely that the number of sick people is higher than has been reported to health authorities. It is possible that this outbreak is not limited to the provinces or territories where the diseases are known,” Health Canada clarified.
Here are some tips to avoid being contaminated:
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after touching a reptile, as well as everything it eats or touches and everything in the environment where it lives and plays; Clean surfaces and objects your reptile has touched with soapy water, then with a household disinfectant; Never kiss a pet reptile; Do not keep reptiles in daycares, schools or other environments where there are children under 5 years old; Always supervise children when they touch or play with reptiles; Keep reptiles, as well as their food, containers, enclosures, and any objects that have been placed in their enclosure, such as plants or enrichment items, away from the kitchen and any other areas where food is prepared and where we eat it; If possible, clean enclosures and accessories outside the house. If this is not possible, use a laundry sink or bathtub, then clean and disinfect thoroughly; Clean or wash reptiles in a plastic bin provided for this purpose, and not in the kitchen or bathroom sink; Be aware of your reptile’s specific needs. A reptile’s stress can increase the shedding of salmonella; Always keep reptiles in habitats designed specifically for them.
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