(Montreal) An investigation was launched after the Public Health Agency of Canada identified 35 cases of salmonellosis, in seven provinces, linked to small reptiles called geckos.
These geckos are “the probable source of the epidemic”, indicates the Agency in a press release released Friday.
As of March 22, 18 cases had been identified in Ontario, eight in Quebec, two in Saskatchewan, two in Alberta, two in Manitoba, two in British Columbia and one in New Brunswick.
Five people had to be hospitalized, but there were no deaths. In seven cases, it concerns children under 5 years old.
The Agency indicates that it has launched an investigation into this matter in collaboration with provincial authorities.
Recent cases continue to be reported, although some cases date back to 2020.
“The collaborative outbreak investigation was launched in March 2024 due to an increase in the number of salmonellosis cases reported in several jurisdictions across Canada. Using a laboratory method called whole genome sequencing, it was determined that some salmonella illnesses dating back to 2020 were caused by the same strain as illnesses occurring in 2024,” the Agency says.
An infection with Salmonella bacteria can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.
“Generally, symptoms appear 6 to 72 hours after exposure to Salmonella bacteria and last 4 to 7 days,” the Agency said.
Reptiles like geckos can carry Salmonella bacteria. A person can become infected by directly touching a gecko or by touching a contaminated surface in the home. And an infected person can spread the infection to other people, even if they don’t have symptoms.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends washing your hands with soap and water after handling such a reptile.
She also recommends cleaning surfaces that such a reptile has touched with soap and water, then with a household disinfectant.
She also recommends not keeping a reptile in a house where there are children under 5 years old.
She also warns: “Never kiss a pet reptile.”