The Public Health Agency of Canada has reported that the number of individuals confirmed to be affected in a salmonella outbreak associated with pistachios has increased to 105. An update on the outbreak released on Wednesday revealed 26 new cases since the previous count earlier this month. The report stated that 16 individuals have been hospitalized, marking an increase of five since the onset of illnesses in early March, which persisted until early September.
Since July, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a total of 26 recalls for pistachios and products containing pistachios. The recalled items suspected of being contaminated with salmonella bacteria include specific brands of pistachio kernels, baklava, ice cream, and chocolate. The Public Health Agency mentioned that many more individuals beyond the confirmed cases likely contracted salmonella but did not report it.
Symptoms of salmonella infection can include fever, chills, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and a sudden headache. While most individuals recover within a week, seniors, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
The outbreak spans from the youngest reported case at two years old to the oldest at 95 years old, with 75% of the salmonella cases being female. The majority of infections have been concentrated in Quebec and Ontario, with additional cases in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and New Brunswick.
Individuals who have been infected with salmonella are advised not to prepare food for others to prevent the spread of the bacteria. A list of recalled products can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s website. Those who have the affected products are instructed to discard them or return them as a precautionary measure.