NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

In a follow-up on the Salmonella outbreak affecting several Canadian provinces, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) now reports 79 Salmonella illnesses reported across five provinces.

Image/CDC

Outbreak cases have been reported in the following provinces: British Columbia (34), Alberta (28), Saskatchewan (4), Manitoba (11) and Ontario (2). The illnesses reported in Ontario are related to travel to Alberta and British Columbia.

Four individuals have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

The source of the outbreak has not been confirmed and the investigation is ongoing. Many of the individuals who became sick reported eating fresh avocados purchased from grocery stores or served at restaurants before their illness. Investigation findings to date have identified that these avocados have been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. More information is needed to confirm the source of the outbreak. The outbreak appears to be ongoing, as illnesses continue to be reported.