Salmonella outbreak linked to geckos

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This article was published 01/10/2024 (572 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is warning about an outbreak of salmonella muenchen linked to geckos after 25 cases across Canada, including one in Manitoba.

The majority of the cases — 13 — were in Ontario, a news release stated. The 25 people, who ranged in age from 1 to 103, became sick between August 2020 and last month. Of the 25 cases, 16 were among females.

The investigation started last month after an increase in reports of salmonella illnesses in multiple areas of Canada.

“Many of the individuals who became sick reported having direct or indirect contact with geckos, or the environments where these pets are kept, before their illnesses occurred,” the release said. “Some people who became sick did not touch or handle the geckos themselves but lived in the same house where they were kept.”

Three people have been hospitalized, and one other person died.

“There are likely more sick people in this outbreak than the number that has been reported to public health officials,” the release said.

This is the second outbreak linked to geckos reported by the public health agency this year. An outbreak of salmonella lome linked to geckos was announced March 22. There were 36 confirmed cases between March 2020 and March 2024, with two cases in Manitoba. Five people were hospitalized.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca