Health unit confirms total of E. coli cases at 190

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

********************

There are now a total of 190 cases, of which 36 are lab confirmed for E. coli O157:H7. We believe the increase in the number of cases is largely due to people who are still reporting their symptoms and are within the expected timeframe of the outbreak. This includes cases in 8 other Ontario health unit districts and 1 in Quebec. The majority of cases remain linked to one location - the Harvey’s Restaurant in North Bay. People who are ill range from 1 to 90 years old.

“Further testing of stool samples is being conducted at the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory.” says Dr. Catherine Whiting, Medical Officer of Health. “For more information about any results thus far from the provincial labs, media are asked to contact the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Media Relations line at 1-888-414-4774. For more information about any results thus far from the federal labs, media are asked to contact the Public Health Agency of Canada Media Relations line at 1-613-948-7970.”

To ensure that all aspects of the investigation are covered as thoroughly as possible, the Health Unit is seeking further information from the public. The Health Unit is opening a telephone call centre today to gather more information from the public who have not been ill, but did eat at Harvey’s Restaurant on Algonquin Avenue in North Bay between October 1st and October 12th 2008. The Health Unit would like this information to further investigate the difference between the foods people ate that became ill, and those who did not become ill. Please call the Health Unit at 474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808. This line will open today at 2 pm and run until 7 pm this evening.

The Health Unit’s local investigation of the E. coli outbreak is currently focused on testing food samples, screening employees of Harvey’s and closely examining processes. The initial food samples that were sent for testing on the night that Harvey’s was closed have since come back negative.


While the investigation to find the source continues, at this time no specific product or process has been identified as the cause. The Health Unit is working 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 Health Unit reminds people who have been ill with E. coli to continue thorough hand washing practices as a method of helping to prevent the spread of E. coli. People who have been ill should not return to work until they are symptom-free. For people who work in a daycare, health care facility or in the food service industry, it is important to get a doctor’s note stating that lab results are negative before returning to work.

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, or contact Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 day or night.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:


The best way to prevent the spread of E. coli O157: H7 to others is to:

• Wash hands thoroughly, using soap and hot running water, before any food contact, and after any toileting or changing of diapers.

• Use a nailbrush and soap under hot running water to clean under fingernails. Rinse thoroughly.

• Have separate towels for sick people.

• Clean bathroom taps, toilets, and doorknobs at least once every day with an antiseptic cleaner such as bleach and water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Even better would be a separate bathroom for the sick person.

• Wash clothes, especially underclothes, in hot water and dry in a hot dryer for at least half an hour. If the clothes cannot be put in the dryer, dry in direct sunshine.

Important facts about E. coli O157:H7:

• E. coli is not spread to others before you have symptoms (anywhere from one to 10 days after consuming E. coli)

• After you get symptoms, E. coli O157:H7 can be spread from person to person (for example, by hand to mouth contact through improper hand washing after using the toilet)

• After symptoms are done - usually from seven to ten days - an adult can still spread the bacteria for up to one week and children for up to three weeks

• Adults with E. coli O157:H7 or E. coli-like symptoms should not use recreational water venues, such as pools, for two weeks after symptoms are gone and four weeks for children, unless laboratory test is negative

********************