(OTTAWA.ca) -- Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reporting an increase in Salmonella activity in Ottawa. In the past three days, OPH has received 16 reports of lab-confirmed cases of Salmonellosis in young children. The ages of the children range from 15 months to 14 years of age.

This number represents an increase above what would normally be expected. At present, three children have required hospitalization. Some of the cases involve students attending three schools and a daycare:

-- Tiny Hopper Day Care - 50 Colchester Square

-- Steve MacLean Public School – 4175 Spratt Road

-- Turnbull Private School – 1132 Fisher Ave

-- École Jean-Paul-II – 5473 Abbott Est

OPH is continuing its investigation and surveillance of this outbreak with the goal of identifying any potential common source(s). This morning, in cooperation with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), OPH distributed a message to all local physicians to advise them of the cases and to recommend that they increase their clinical vigilance for Salmonella infections.

On average, there are about 160 cases of Salmonella reported every year in Ottawa. Symptoms of a Salmonella infection may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in some people, such as children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of a Salmonella infection generally occur within 6 to 72 hours after exposure to contaminated food.

If you or your children are experiencing severe or prolonged symptoms, consult a physician.

-- Always wash your hands after using the toilet, changing diapers, handling animals and before preparing food.

-- Avoid unpasteurized dairy products.

-- Cook meat, poultry, and egg products thoroughly.

-- If you have diarrhea, avoid preparing or handling food.

For more information on food and water-borne illnesses, visit ottawa.ca/health or you can call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744. You can also connect with OPH on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth) for the latest public health information.