OPH reports rise in Salmonella cases
Posted Jul 22, 2010 By EMC News
Email
Print
Tweet ThisSubmitted by the City of Ottawa
EMC News- Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is advising residents of an increase in the number of Salmonellosis (often called Salmonella) cases reported in the city and is reminding residents to protect themselves by using safe food handling and cooking practices. A similar increasing trend has been observed provincially.
"Since the first of June, 23 cases of salmonella have been reported to OPH, almost double the number of cases typically seen this time of year," said Dr. Vera Etches, associate medical officer of health with OPH.
"A significant number of these cases appear to be related to undercooked or inappropriately stored processed chicken products."
OPH is reminding residents to use safe food handling and cooking practices when preparing all food, and specifically, processed chicken products such as chicken strips, nuggets and burgers.
These products are often sold frozen and although they may appear to be partially or fully cooked, many have not been heat treated to destroy bacteria such as salmonella. To reduce the risk of salmonella, it's important to:
-Wash your hands with clean water and soap before and after handling and cooking food
-Make sure uncooked chicken products do not come into contact with cooked food to avoid contamination
-Make sure chicken and other meat products are fully cooked before eating
-Avoid cooking raw or partially cooked processed chicken products in the microwave as this may not provide even heat distribution
-Avoid leaving cooked chicken strips, nuggets and burgers at room temperature for extended periods of time, for example in packed lunches. Consume cooked chicken products immediately or store in the refrigerator.
-Thoroughly wash (and ideally peel) raw fruit and vegetables before eating
OPH has advised local doctors and health care providers of the increase. Symptoms of a salmonella infection may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever, and generally occur within 6 to 72 hours after exposure to contaminated food and may last 2 to 5 days.
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in some people, such as children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
Daycares and other childcare facilities that serve chicken products to children are being reminded of proper food safety handling and preparation techniques, said Dr. Etches.
blog comments powered by Disqus
