Salmonella outbreak grows, nine people hospitalized

Journal Staff Lambton Public Health says 33 people are confirmed to have salmonella food poisoning and nine have been hospitalized after eating at a local restaurant and food truck.

Journal Staff

Lambton Public Health says 33 people are confirmed to have salmonella food poisoning and nine have been hospitalized after eating at a local restaurant and food truck.

Another 170 people have reported illness compatible with salmonellosis after eating at the Barakat restaurant in Sarnia and the Barakat food truck in Corunna, between Oct. 19 and Oct. 29, the health unit said today.

About 90% of the cases occurred between Oct. 21 and Oct. 25.

The age of the laboratory confirmed cases ranges from nine months to 73 years, the health unit said.

The source of the outbreak is still under investigation. Food and environmental swabs were sent to public health laboratories and the initial results from the food sample are negative. Other results are pending, Lambton Public Health said.

The restaurant remains closed and its owners are co-operating, it said. The investigation now involves local, provincial and federal health officials.

Salmonella is a food-borne bacterium that can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, fever, pain and cramping.

Anyone who ate at the Barakat restaurant or food truck between Oct. 19 and Oct. 29 and became ill is advised to call Lambton Public Health at 519-383-8331 and their health care provider.

More on Salmonella infections can be found at the Ontario Ministry of Health website.