Salmonella cases rise in B.C.; proper food cooking, refrigeration urged
The B.C. Centre for Disease Control is warning about a jump in salmonella cases in the province and is reminding people to make sure they cook eggs and chicken properly.
Dr. Colette Gauline of the Centre says there have been more than 56 cases of infection in the last two months, all from the same strain of salmonella.
She says no common source of the infections has been found, but the two most important risk factors are raw eggs and chicken.
Lynne Wilcott of the Centre says proper food handling practises are the best way to avoid infections.
This includes refrigerating food, not using the same cutting surfaces for chicken and vegetables, and cooking chicken and eggs completely, making sure eggs are no longer runny.
Symptoms of salmonella may include fever, headache, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and sometimes vomiting and can be worse for young children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.
