AN outbreak of Salmonella gastroenteritis, linked to Silo Bakery in Kingston, is being investigated by the Health Directorate.

ACT Chief Health Officer, Dr Paul Kelly said 13 cases of salmonellosis were linked to the food business, which resulted in five people hospitalised.

“Salmonella has been identified in mayonnaise containing raw egg, with further tests of food and environmental samples pending,” Dr Kelly said.

“All cases reported purchasing ready to eat food from the implicated business on Friday 25th or Saturday 26th November.

“Food safety inspections of the implicated business have been conducted, with the premises being closed for cleaning and high risk foods being destroyed.”

Salmonella gastroenteritis is an acute illness characterised by diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever and vomiting, with symptoms typically lasting a week.

While the risk of new cases occurring has been reduced, the Health Directorate expects further cases to be reported due to the delay in time between people being tested after their exposure.

“While most cases recover without specific treatment, some people may require hospitalisation, particularly for management of dehydration,” Dr Kelly said.

“Salmonella infections are most often spread via eating undercooked foods, through cross-contamination of foods or by person to person spread.

“The most effective method of preventing the illness is thorough cooking of food, safe food handling, storage and practicing good hand hygiene.”

Between November and April each year, about 100 cases of Salmonella infections are reported to health authorities in the ACT.

“We urge persons with symptoms suggestive of Salmonella gastroenteritis to seek medical attention from their GP if they are concerned and not attend work or school while symptoms persist,” he said.