Seven people have been hospitalized in relation to a Salmonella outbreak in Hamilton, Canada.
The Piper Arms Stoney Creek restaurant has been closed by public health officials until further notice. A total of nine people have reported symptoms after eating at the restaurant.
The local public health agency is asking people to report and seek medical attention if they’re experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps.
After eating there for “wing night” on March 31, Kim Gibson said her sister and brother-in-law, both 50, were “healthy one day and severely sick two days later.”
The Stoney Creek couple faced increasingly severe stomach pains and diarrhea over several days and ended up in two different hospitals, one at Juravinski Hospital with kidney issues and the other at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton recovering from a salmonella blood infection and myocarditis, a heart condition.
Public health officials report both are out of the hospital now after several days. People confirmed as part of the salmonella outbreak faced most of their symptoms between March 30 and April 5, according to Hamilton Public Health.
Salmonella is a bacteria typically found in raw or undercooked foods including “poultry, eggs, meat and unpasteurized products and can also spread through contaminated produce or improper food handling,” the agency said in the release.
“Salmonella infection typically occurs 6 to 48 hours after exposure and can last several days,” it said. “Most individuals recover without treatment; however, young children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems may be at higher risk of severe illness.”
The agency says people who ate at the Piper Arms Stoney Creek and are experiencing symptoms should:
- Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or worsening. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call Health811 at 811.
- Stay home while ill to prevent spreading infection.
- Practice good hand hygiene.
- Report your illness to Hamilton Public Health by calling 905-546-2424 ext. 7970.
“Individuals who are not experiencing symptoms should continue to monitor for symptoms and practice good hand hygiene and safe food handling practices,” the statement said.
The Stoney Creek location of the company – which has several other locations including in Burlington and Brantford – opened in January, according to a post on the business’ Instagram account. It is located at 1786 Stone Church Rd. E.
Public health agents ordered a temporary closure of the restaurant on Monday “to support the ongoing investigation and protect public health.” The agency said it conducted inspections there on Friday and Monday, reviewing food handling and sanitation practices. It also collected food samples for laboratory testing.
Public health said it has not identified anything that needs fixing so far.
“However, the closure allows Public Health to complete the investigation and ensure the premises is operating safely before reopening,” said the statement. “The investigation remains ongoing, and no specific food item has been confirmed as the source of illness.”
A notice posted on the restaurant’s door acknowledges “a reported illness concern,” saying the restaurant is undergoing a “full sanitization” and a review of its food handling procedures.
