The Public Health Agency of Canada said the number of people infected with salmonella linked to pistachios has risen to 105. Since the beginning of September, 26 new cases have been identified and 16 people have been hospitalized since the outbreak began in March, five more than previously reported.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued 26 recalls of suspected contaminated products since July, including pistachio nuts, baklava, ice cream and chocolate.

The agency warned that the true number of cases is likely higher than the official tally because many people are not reporting their illness. Symptoms of salmonella include fever, chills, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and headache.

The youngest patient in the outbreak is 2 years old and the oldest is 95, and 75 per cent of the cases are women. Most cases have been reported in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario.

Officials have advised those infected to avoid preparing food for others to avoid spreading the bacteria. Citizens are also urged to throw away these products or return them to the store.

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