The Canadian Public Health Agency said it is investigating a clear link between a salmonella outbreak that began at least two years ago and contact with snakes and feeder rodents.

As of March 19, there were 70 confirmed salmonella cases linked to the single outbreak, according to the agency.

Ten people have been hospitalized, and the Canadian Public Health Agency wrote in a press release: "One person has died, and regional public health partners have confirmed that salmonella was the cause of death."

Cases have been identified in eight provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. These individuals became ill between February 2022 and February 2024.

Officials said many of those infected had direct or indirect contact with the animals previously. Some did not touch snakes or rodents directly but lived in the same homes where they were kept.

The statement said: "No single common source of snakes or feeder rodents has been identified."

The investigation first began last spring due to an increase in salmonella cases across the country.

Genome sequencing found that the cases dating back to 2022 were caused by the same outbreak strain identified in illnesses reported in 2023 and 2024. The agency says some people may have reported their illnesses after they were already sick.

The agency explained that its data is based on when people reported their illness, not necessarily when they became ill.

Symptoms typically appear within 6 to 72 hours after exposure to salmonella bacteria. Symptoms may include fever, vomiting, headache, and abdominal cramps.

"You can get sick with salmonella by touching reptiles and rodents and their food and environment, then touching your face or eyes or mouth without washing your hands," the statement said.

It continued: "You can also get sick by touching contaminated surfaces or objects in the home or exhibit where snakes and feeder rodents are kept." "This can happen at birthday parties, school events or daycare, museums, science centers, zoos, or at a traveling reptile show."