Deadly Gecko Outbreak: One Dead, 25 Sick in Canada

Pet geckos were reported to have caused a dangerous illness in Canada. One person died and 25 others got sick in seven provinces. This is the second time this year geckos have made people ill. The sickness spread from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador, affecting people of all ages.

The outbreak happened between August 2020 and September 2024. It mostly affected women, but people from age 1 to 103 got sick. Health officials think more people might have been ill but didn’t report it. They are now looking into the problem and warning people about how to safely keep reptile pets. This shows how important it is to be clean and careful when handling unusual pets.

Salmonella Spreads Across Canada

Image Credit: Wassily Kandark on Pexels

A salmonella outbreak linked to pet geckos affected 25 people across seven Canadian provinces. The outbreak resulted in one death and three hospitalizations. PHAC reported cases in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The agency warned that the actual number of cases might be higher than reported.

Geckos: Cute but Potentially Dangerous

Image Credit: Jimmy Chan on Pexels

Many infected individuals reported having direct or indirect contact with geckos before falling ill. Some people got sick without touching the geckos themselves but lived in homes where the reptiles were kept. The outbreak highlighted the potential risks associated with keeping geckos as pets. PHAC emphasized the importance of proper handling and hygiene practices when caring for these animals.

Outbreak Spans Four Years

Image Credit: Markus Winkler on Pexels

The salmonella infections occurred between August 2020 and September 2024. Most of the affected individuals were females, making up 64% of the cases. The age range of those infected was remarkably wide, spanning from 1 to 103 years old. This broad demographic spread underscored the need for awareness across all age groups about the potential risks of reptile-borne illnesses.

Multiple Ways to Contract Salmonella

Image Credit: Lisa Fotios on Pexels

Salmonella is typically transmitted through contaminated food and water. However, in this outbreak, people contracted the infection by directly touching geckos or their environments. Indirect contact through contaminated surfaces where the animals were kept also led to infections. PHAC warned that transmission could occur in various settings, including birthday parties, schools, daycares, museums, and zoos.

Severe Consequences of Salmonella

Image Credit: Sora Shimazaki on Pexels

Salmonella infection poses a significant health threat, especially to children and older adults. The bacterial infection can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms and dehydration. In extreme cases, salmonella can be fatal, as evidenced by the one death reported in this outbreak. The severity of the outbreak prompted health officials to emphasize the importance of prevention and early detection.

Handwashing: First Line of Defense

Image Credit: CDC on Pexels

PHAC provided several recommendations to prevent salmonella infections. The most crucial advice was to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after touching a reptile or its environment. This practice was especially important after visiting exhibits or events featuring reptiles. The agency stressed the importance of hand hygiene even if there was no direct contact with the animals.

Keeping Reptile Areas Clean

Image Credit: Lukasz Stanfex on Pexels

Health officials advised cleaning any surfaces or objects touched by reptiles with soapy water, followed by a household sanitizer. They recommended using a dedicated plastic bin for cleaning or bathing reptiles, rather than kitchen or bathroom sinks. These measures aimed to prevent the spread of bacteria from reptile habitats to food preparation areas.

Recognizing the Signs of Infection

Image Credit: Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels

Symptoms of salmonella infection typically appear between six and 72 hours after exposure. Common symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and abdominal cramps. PHAC noted that these symptoms usually last between four to seven days. The agency advised seeking medical attention if salmonella infection was suspected, especially in severe cases.

Most Cases Resolve on Their Own

Image Credit: Anna Shvets on Pexels

PHAC stated that most people recover from salmonella infection without medical treatment within a few days. However, they recommended seeing a healthcare provider if symptoms persisted or worsened. The agency emphasized the importance of staying hydrated during the recovery period. In severe cases, hospitalization might be necessary for proper treatment and monitoring.

Not the First Gecko-Related Incident

Image Credit: Sudipta Mondal on Pexels

This outbreak was not the first gecko-related salmonella incident in Canada. Between March 2020 and March 2024, at least 36 people fell ill with salmonella infection in a separate outbreak linked to geckos. The salmonella strain in that outbreak was traced back to a gecko habitat in the home of an infected person. This previous incident highlighted the recurring nature of the problem.

Health Agency Continues Monitoring

Image Credit: ThisIsEngineering on Pexels

PHAC announced that an investigation into the outbreak was ongoing. The agency continued to monitor for new cases and gather information to better understand the source and spread of the infection. Health officials worked on tracing the origins of the infected geckos and identifying any common suppliers or breeders linked to the outbreak.

Reptile Pet Trade Under Scrutiny

Image Credit: NEOSiAM 2024+ on Pexels

The outbreak raised questions about the regulation of the reptile pet trade in Canada. Pet stores and reptile breeders faced increased scrutiny regarding their practices. There were discussions about implementing stricter guidelines for the sale and care of reptile pets. The incident prompted a broader conversation about the responsibilities of pet owners and sellers in preventing zoonotic diseases.

Learning from the Outbreak

Image Credit: Edward Jenner on Pexels

Health officials used insights from this outbreak to develop more effective prevention strategies for the future. They focused on improving public education about the risks associated with exotic pets. There were also efforts to enhance collaboration between public health agencies, veterinarians, and the pet industry to create safer practices for reptile ownership. The goal was to prevent similar outbreaks while allowing for responsible pet ownership.

Instagram Launches Teen Accounts with Enhanced Privacy Features

Image Credit: Solen Feyissa from Pixabay

Instagram Launches Teen Accounts with Enhanced Privacy Features

13 Six Figure Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree

Image Credit: Gül Işık on Pexels

13 Six Figure Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree

16 Things You Should Never Buy at the Dollar Store

Image Credit: Michael Schwarzenberger from Pixabay

16 Things You Should Never Buy at the Dollar Store

Diana Tablan

Diana Tablan is a seasoned writer who loves to explore fun lifestyle topics and various human interest stories. During her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, and cooking. Diana’s writings can be found in several popular online magazines in Canada and the US.