The number of people confirmed to have salmonella infections after eating at an Ontario restaurant has doubled, with at least 44 unconfirmed cases reporting symptoms.
As of April 17, there were 13 confirmed cases of people dining at the Piper Arms Stoney Creek location in Hamilton, Ontario, according to Hamilton Public Health. There were seven cases earlier this week.
At least six of the outbreak patients have been hospitalized.
Public health officials reported that another 44 people reported symptoms consistent with salmonella infection. These patients are awaiting laboratory confirmation.
No specific food item has been identified as the source of the salmonella outbreak, but the restaurant has been ordered closed while the outbreak is investigated.
About salmonella infection
Food contaminated with salmonella typically does not look, smell or taste spoiled. Anyone can get sick from a salmonella infection. Infants, young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness because they have weaker immune systems.
Anyone who ate at a restaurant and develops symptoms of salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Because diagnosing salmonellosis requires special testing, sick people should tell their doctors about possible exposure to salmonella. Salmonella infection symptoms can be similar to other illnesses and often lead to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of salmonella infection may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise healthy adults usually become sick for 4 to 7 days. However, in some cases, diarrhea may be so severe that hospitalization may be necessary.
People with weakened immune systems, such as older adults, children, pregnant women, and cancer patients, are more likely to develop serious and sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people become infected without feeling sick or showing any symptoms. However, they can still spread the infection to other people.
