The number of people confirmed with Salmonella infections after eating at an Ontario restaurant has doubled and at least 44 unconfirmed patients have reported symptoms.
As of April 17 there were 13 confirmed patients who had eaten at the Piper Arms Stoney Creek location in Hamilton, Ontario, according to Hamilton Public Health. Earlier this week there were seven patients.
At least six of the outbreak patients have been hospitalized.
Public health officials are reporting that another 44 people have reported symptoms consistent with Salmonella infection. Those patients are awaiting laboratory confirmation.
No specific food item has been identified as the source of the Salmonella, but the restaurant was ordered to shut down during the outbreak investigation.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.
Anyone who has eaten at the restaurant and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
