Seven hospitalized in Salmonella outbreak related to restaurant

Seven people have been hospitalized due 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 reported symptoms after eating at the restaurant.

The local public health agency is asking people to report and seek medical attention if they experience 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 “well one day and seriously ill two days later.”

The Stoney Creek couple faced increasingly severe stomach pains and diarrhea for several days and ended up in two different hospitals, one at Juravinski Hospital for kidney problems and the other at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, recovering from a salmonella blood infection and myocarditis, a heart condition.

Public health officials report that both were released from the hospital after several days. People confirmed as part of the salmonella outbreak experienced 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 produce, and can also be 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 for several days,” the report states. “Most people recover without treatment; however, young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems may be at higher risk of severe illness.”

The agency says people who ate at Piper Arms Stoney Creek and have symptoms should:

• See a doctor if symptoms are severe or worsen. If you do not have a healthcare professional, call Health811 at 811.
• Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading infection.
• Practice good hand hygiene.
• Report your illness to Hamilton Public Health by calling 905-546-2424, ext. 2424. 7970.

“Individuals who do not have symptoms should continue to monitor their symptoms and practice good hand hygiene and safe food handling practices,” the statement said.

The company’s Stoney Creek location — which has several other locations, including in Burlington and Brantford — opened in January, according to a post on the company’s Instagram account. It is located at 1786 Stone Church Road. E.

Public health officials on Monday ordered the temporary closure of the restaurant “to support the ongoing investigation and protect public health.” The agency said it conducted inspections there Friday and Monday, examining food handling and sanitation practices. He also collected food samples for laboratory testing.

Public health said it has not identified any issues that need to be corrected so far.

“However, the closure allows Public Health to complete the investigation and ensure the premises are operating safely before reopening,” the statement said. “The investigation continues and no specific food has been confirmed to cause the illness.”

A notice posted on the restaurant’s door acknowledges “a reported illness issue,” saying the restaurant is undergoing a “full disinfection” and review of its food handling procedures.