Posted: July 2nd, 2009 - 6:58pm by Katie Filion

A recent spike in Salmonella cases in the Vancouver, B.C. area has lead the B.C. Centre for Disease Control to release the following, reports News1130:

Over 56 cases of infection are being blamed on the same strain of Salmonella.

While the BCCDC says they have not identified a common source associated with the infections, they advise that the two most important risk factors for Salmonella are the consumption of eggs and chicken. Salmonella can contaminate meat, eggs and raw fruits and vegetables. Symptoms of Salmonella infection may include fever, headache, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and sometimes vomiting.

The BCCDC reminds people that the possibility of becoming ill from Salmonella can be eliminated almost completely with proper food handling and cooking practices.

Yes, eggs and chicken can harbor Salmonella, and proper hygiene and food handling can prevent cross contamination in the home; however, several outbreaks of Salmonella have not been preventable at the consumer level. Peanut butter, cantaloupe, ice cream and pistachios aren’t commonly cooked prior to consumption.