December 15, 2009: Reminder to report foodborne illness cases this holiday season
To: Primary Care Providers, Hospital ER’s, CHC’s, ICP’s
From: Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health
Dear Colleagues,
Ottawa Public Health is requesting that all health care professionals remain watchful for cases of foodborne illness this holiday season. Food preparation can involve special dishes not normally purchased or prepared that may pose a health risk.
Foodborne illness is a reportable disease under the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act. Please report all confirmed cases to Ottawa Public Health immediately at 613-580-6744, ext. 24224 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. For after hour emergencies, please call 3-1-1- and ask for the Public Health Officer on call. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Common pathogens and associated information are listed below.
Organism
|
Common Sources
|
Symptoms
|
Those most at Risk
|
Incubation Period
|
Clinical Management
|
Salmonella spp.
In 2008:
154 cases
|
Undercooked or raw eggs and egg containing products, chicken and turkey
|
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headache, abdominal pain
|
Elderly, infants and immunocompromized
|
Usually 12 to 72 hours after consumption
|
Stool Cultures
Antibiotic treatment for complicated cases or some groups at high risk of complications
|
Campylobacter jejuni
In 2008:
229 cases
|
Undercooked turkey and chicken
|
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (can be bloody), fever, headache, abdominal and muscle pain
|
Children under 5 years and young adults
|
Usually 2 to 5 days after consumption
|
Stool Cultures
Re-hydration and electrolyte replacement
Antibiotics generally not indicated
|
Listeria monocytogenes
In 2008:
6 cases
|
Ready to eat meats and seafood (deli, meats, smoked salmon), soft cheeses
|
Fever, Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea Severe symptoms include sepsis, meningitis, encephalitis
|
Pregnant women, newborns, elderly and immunocompromized
|
Anywhere from 3 to 70 days, but usually within 3 weeks after consumption.
|
Blood, CSF or, amniotic fluid cultures
Antibiotic treatment indicated
|
Staphylococcus aureus
No data available
|
Pork products (ham or pork tourtiere), salads (egg, potato, macaroni), cream filled pastries
|
Nausea, vomiting, retching, diarrhea, abdominal pain
|
All age groups
|
Usually 1 to 6 hours after consumption
|
No stool culture
Re-hydration and electrolyte replacement
|
|
