Another person in B.C. hospitalized in salmonella outbreak, total infections now 32

Puppy Love and Puppy World brand dog treats have been linked to a multi-province salmonella outbreak. (PHAC)

The Public Health Agency of Canada says another person in B.C. has fallen ill in a multi-province salmonella outbreak linked to dog food and dog treats.

The total of confirmed infections has now reached 32, comprising 14 people from Alberta, 15 from B.C., one person from the Northwest Territories and two from Ontario.

Eight of those, including the recent addition from B.C., have been hospitalized.

Earlier this month, the PHAC said it was recalling certain “Puppy Love” and “Puppy World” brand raw pet treat products after they were linked to an outbreak of salmonella infections.

The products, sold from February until October of this year, included four-pack bags of Puppy Love Beef Chew, 120- and 300-gram bags of Puppy Love Chicken Breast, 120-gram bags of Puppy Love Chicken Wing Tips, and 150-, 340- and 454-gram bags of Puppy World Lamb Lung.

Retailers, distributors or shoppers who have bought the flagged products are advised to throw them out.

“People who are infected with salmonella bacteria can spread salmonella to other people several days to several weeks after they have become infected, even if they don’t have symptoms,” the PHAC said in its update Tuesday.

Those at higher risk of contracting the serious illness include older adults, young children, people who are pregnant and those with weakened immune systems. Of the 32 people infected, ages range between zero and 87 years old. No deaths have been reported in connection to the outbreak.

The agency is advising pet owners to always wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after handling any type of dog food or treat. Even if dogs don’t show any signs of illness, they can still infect people who are in contact with them, their food, treats, or their waste, it warned.

“Teach children to wash their hands thoroughly, with soap and water, every time after touching dogs, their food or treats. Wash and sanitize any containers, utensils and surfaces that have come into contact with dog food or treats before using them again,” the agency said in its release.

Dedicated dishes and utensils should be during feeding that are then washed separately other kitchenware. All dog food and treats should be stored out of reach of children and away from where human food is stored or prepared.

“Follow storage instructions found on the packaging of dog food and treats, including proper refrigeration and freezing if needed, to prevent them from becoming spoiled. Read the labels on dog food and treats to learn about the ingredients, the product’s expiry date, and if the food is cooked or raw,” the agency said.

Anyone who believes they are experiencing salmonella symptoms - which include but are not limited to chills, fever, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and headaches - are advised to contact their health-care provider.