Home > Topics > Infectious Diseases > Q-Z > Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis is a disease caused by bacteria belonging to the family Salmonella. Symptoms of salmonellosis include headache, abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. It is spread by consuming contaminated food or water, or though contact with an infected animal or person. For more information, see the Health Unit's fact sheets page on salmonella.

The following graph shows the number of salmonellosis cases in Simcoe Muskoka between 2000 and 2010. There are many factors that influence how many cases are reported to the Health Unit, as explained on the Infectious Diseases page. There are between approximately 50 and 100 cases of salmonellosis every year in Simcoe Muskoka. 

Provincial definitions classify cases as confirmed, probable or suspect based on clinical and/or laboratory diagnostic criteria. The provincial case definition for salmonellosis changed in April 2009 to include a definition for probable cases whereas before there was no such classification. The definitions of confirmed and probable cases from 2009 onwards are comparable to confirmed cases before 2009.

The following graph shows the incidence rate of salmonellosis in Simcoe Muskoka and Ontario between 2000 and 2010.

The incidence rate in Simcoe Muskoka is lower than the Ontario rate for most years.  In 2004, the Simcoe Muskoka incidence rate increased although a common source of infection was not identified. The increase in the Ontario rate in 2005 was caused by the consumption of contaminated bean sprouts.