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Outbreak of Food Poisoning The Department of Health advises that an outbreak of Salmonella gastroenteritis is occurring in the province. Since the middle of March 21 cases of food-poisoning due to Salmonella enteritidis have been reported from the St. John's, Gander, Clarenville and Labrador City areas, but concentrated in the St. John's region. Persons affected are two to 37 years of age, with the majority of cases in the pre-school to elementary school age. Five cases have been hospitalized in St. John's, four children and one adult. Typical symptoms of salmonellosis include sudden onset of diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, headache and sometimes vomiting. Symptoms may range from mild to severe and may require hospitalization. In Newfoundland past cases of gastroenteritis caused by this particular organism have been sporadic with two to three cases per year, the last one in August 1997. Investigation of this outbreak is continuing. Persons identified with the illness are being interviewed by public health personnel to determine the exact foods that were eaten. Possible source food products are being tested at the Public health Laboratory. It is unusual to have food-bourne outbreaks due to Salmonella organisms at this time of year. The province of Ontario is also experiencing a similar outbreak during the month of March. At this point in the investigation it appears likely that a retail food product may be implicated. It is expected that cases will continue to occur until the implicated food product has been identified and removed from the market, or until the particular batch has been consumed. It is likely that there are many other cases of Salmonellosis in the province that have not been identified. The Department of Health wishes to advise anyone who has symptoms of diarrhoea and abdominal pain, with or without any other symptoms, to see their family doctor and have a laboratory test for food-poisoning. Investigation will continue until the outbreak is resolved. Contact: Dr. Faith Stratton, Director, Disease Control and Epidemiology, (709) 729-3430.
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