In Canada, an outbreak of Salmonella Lome infections linked to geckos

The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak of Salmonella infections in seven provinces. According to the investigation findings, exposure to geckos has been identified as a likely source of the outbreak. Many individuals who became sick reported having direct or indirect contact with geckos or the environments where these pets were kept before their illnesses occurred. Salmonella with the same outbreak strain was found in a gecko habitat from the home of an ill individual. The outbreak is ongoing, as recent illnesses are reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada. As of March 22, 2024, there are 35 confirmed cases of Salmonella Lome illness reported in this outbreak in the following provinces: British Columbia (2), Alberta (2), Saskatchewan (2), Manitoba (2), Ontario (18), Quebec (8) and New Brunswick (1). Individuals became sick between March 2020 and January 2024. Five individuals have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. The collaborative outbreak investigation was initiated in March 2024 because of increased reports of Salmonella illnesses in multiple jurisdictions across Canada. Using WGS, it was determined that the same outbreak strain caused some Salmonella illnesses dating back to 2020 as those in 2024.