Health Unit Investigating Exposure to Salmonella in Perth

The South East Health Unit (SEHU) is investigating an unusual number of cases of salmonella infection. As part of this investigation, we are requesting that members of the public who ate at the Rocky River Café on Wilson Street in Perth, Ont., on or around July 15, 2025, and have experienced symptoms of gastrointestinal infection, contact SEHU.

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis and infection of the digestive tract as well as more serious illness such as sepsis. Common symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting, typically appearing 6 hours to 7 days, and usually 12 to 36 hours after exposure. Salmonella can be spread from person to person, most often from contaminated hands or objects. Infections can also be caused by food that has been contaminated with the bacteria.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after eating at Rocky River Café on or around July 15, 2025, contact the SEHU by calling the toll free line at 1-800-660-5853 ext.2222 or click on this link to provide information for our investigation. If you are experiencing symptoms, we recommend that you seek medical attention by contacting your health care provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call Health Care Connect at 811 or visit www.virtualcareontario.ca or call 1-888-684-1999.

Although the initial exposure to salmonella is likely linked to contaminated food, there is risk that infection may continue because salmonella can be spread from person to person. Prevent person-to-person spread of salmonella by:

• Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before preparing and eating meals.
• If you are experiencing diarrhea and or vomiting, avoid preparing or serving food.
• Do not attend work while ill with vomiting or diarrhea if you are a food handler, child care worker, or health care worker.
• Children who are experiencing vomiting and or diarrhea should not attend daycare/summer camp/school until they are 48 hours symptom-free.

As part of the investigation, SEHU has issued a closure order to the Rocky River Cafe under Section 13 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. We are working closely with the restaurant operators to ensure that any risk is eliminated, and the restaurant will remain closed until a full inspection determines the premises is safe to reopen.

Under Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act and its regulations, health units are required to inspect food service premises. Health Units also respond to complaints from members of the public regarding food safety practices in food premises, as well as any other establishments that the SEHU inspects.

SEHU inspection reports are publicly reported, and can be found on the SEHU website in the section entitled INSIGHT. SEHU remains committed to protecting the health of our community through rigorous inspection, enforcement, and education.

Please visit www.healthunit.org and click on the Salmonella Outbreak tab on the front page for more information or contact the toll free line at 1-800-660-5853 ext. 2222.