North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release ******************** There is now a total of 131 cases of which 22 are lab confirmed for E coli O157:H7, and 22 people are still under investigation.
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release
********************
There is now a total of 131 cases of which 22 are lab confirmed for E coli O157:H7, and 22 people are still under investigation. At this time we believe the outbreak is localized to Harvey’s Restaurant on Algonquin Avenue in North Bay. Included are cases being investigated by 4 other health units.
The people who are ill range from 1 to 84 years old. Symptoms of illness from E. coli O157:H7 include diarrhea which may be bloody, stomach cramps, and/or vomiting and possibly a fever. Anyone suffering with these symptoms is advised to seek medical attention.
Dr. Catherine Whiting, Medical Officer of Health, stresses “that people who are ill with E.coli must take precautions to prevent the spread of the bacteria to other people. Thorough hand washing, using soap and hot running water, particularly after toileting, before any food contact, or changing diapers is a must”.
The Health Unit reinforces that if you work in a daycare, health care facility or in the food service industry, you should stay home if you are sick and take extra precautions before returning to work. To avoid spreading the bacteria at your workplace, you should have a doctor’s note that states your lab results are negative. If you are sick currently with E coli O157:H7, please stay at home and take recommended precautions.
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has extended the hours of their phone lines to provide information on the E. coli outbreak.
• Saturday October 18, 2008 from 8:30 am until 7 pm • Sunday October 19, 2008 from 8:30 am to 7 pm
The public can call (705) 474-1400, or 1-800-563-2808 any time during those hours to talk to public health staff with their questions or concerns about E. coli.
In addition to thorough hand washing the following precautions are recommended:
1. To effectively clean under fingernails, use a nailbrush and soap under hot running water. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Have separate towels for affected individuals.
3. 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.
4. 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.
The Health Unit continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Agency for Health Protection and Promotion and The Public Health Agency of Canada. The staff at Harvey’s Restaurant also continue to be cooperative during this investigation.
Anyone with questions or concerns about E. Coli O157:H7, may contact:
• Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 day or night,
• The Health Unit will take calls until 7 pm tonight - phone 474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808,
• Additional information about E coli O157:H7 is online at www.healthunit.biz
