North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release ******************** There are now a total of 93 cases with 15 lab confirmed for E coli O157:H7. There are 78 people still under investigation.
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release
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There are now a total of 93 cases with 15 lab confirmed for E coli O157:H7. There are 78 people still under investigation. At this time we believe the outbreak is localized to Harvey’s Restaurant on Algonquin Avenue in North Bay with 75 people indicating that they had eaten at this location within the time frame. Included are cases being investigated by 4 other health units. The people who are ill range from 5 to 84 years old. Some are in hospital receiving treatment, while most are recovering at home.
“We are working closely with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and the Agency for Health Protection and Promotion.” says Dr. Catherine Whiting, Medical Officer of Health. “The Public Health Agency of Canada is providing us with a Field Epidemiologist to work alongside our staff. The staff at Harvey’s Restaurant continues to be very cooperative in working with us during this investigation.”
The Harvey’s Restaurant was closed last Sunday evening, October 12 at 9 pm, which is the last time any person might have been exposed to this potential source of E. coli. Given the average incubation time frame of 3 to 4 days after exposure, the peak is likely to occur within the next few days.
The Health Unit wishes to remind people who work in daycares, health care facilities or in the food service industry, that extra precautions must be taken before returning to work if you have been ill due to E. coli O157:H7. To avoid spreading the bacteria at your workplace, you should have a doctor’s note that states your lab results are negative.
Symptoms of illness from E. coli O157:H7 include bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, and/or vomiting and possibly a fever. Anyone suffering with these symptoms is advised to seek medical attention.
To prevent secondary infection at home, among family members of people who have been exposed to E. coli O157:H7, the following precautions are recommended:
1. Ensure thorough hand washing, using soap and hot running water, before any food contact, and after any toileting or changing of diapers.
2. To effectively clean under fingernails, use a nailbrush and soap under hot running water. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Have separate towels for affected individuals.
4. Clean bathroom fixtures – taps, toilets, and doorknobs – at least once daily with an antiseptic cleaning agent such as bleach and water (1:10). A separate bathroom for an affected individual is best, if possible.
5. Laundering clothing, especially underclothes, should be done in hot water and dried in a hot dryer for a recommended duration of at least half an hour. If a garment cannot be put in the dryer, direct sunshine is of benefit.
Anyone with questions or concerns about E. Coli O157:H7, may contact:
• Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 day or night,
• The Health until 7 pm tonight by phoning 474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808,
