Number of people sickened in salmonella outbreak linked to Hamilton restaurant grows

Hamilton City Hall can be seen above. (cityofhamilton/Instagram)

Four more people have been sickened in an outbreak of salmonella tied to a Stoney Creek restaurant.

A spokesperson for Hamilton Public Health confirmed to CP24 on Friday that there are now 13 confirmed cases of salmonellosis, up from the nine reported on Tuesday.

The outbreak has been reported at Piper Arms Stoney Creek at 1786 Stone Church Rd. E. As of Friday, Hamilton health officials have not confirmed the source of the illness.

Of the 13 cases, six have been hospitalized, the spokesperson said.

Hamilton Public Health initially reported there were seven hospitalizations tied to the outbreak.

The spokesperson explained on Friday that officials had learned that while two people visited the emergency department, they did not get admitted. They added that one new hospitalization has been confirmed.

In addition to the confirmed cases, Hamilton health officials are investigating 44 probable cases.

Most of the cases developed symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and chills, between March 30 and April 5, officials said.

The Piper Arms location has been closed since Monday as health officials investigate the outbreak.

“Public Health has worked closely with the operator to review food handling and sanitation practices and has collected food samples for laboratory testing,” city officials said in a news release on Tuesday.

“At this time, no specific deficiencies requiring corrective action have been identified; however, the closure allows Public Health to complete the investigation and ensure the premises is operating safely before reopening.”

Health officials urge patrons who are currently not experiencing symptoms to monitor themselves and practice good hygiene.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria typically found in raw or undercooked foods and unpasteurized products can also spread through contaminated produce or improper food handling, health officials said.

The infection occurs six to 48 hours after exposure and can last days.