North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release ******************** There are now 217 cases, of which 42 are lab confirmed for E. coli O157:H7. This number includes cases from 8 other Ontario Health Units, Quebec, and now British Columbia.
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release
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There are now 217 cases, of which 42 are lab confirmed for E. coli O157:H7. This number includes cases from 8 other Ontario Health Units, Quebec, and now British Columbia.
“As the investigation continues, there will be adjustments in the number of cases as some are found not to be part of the outbreak and others are added due to a delay in reporting their symptoms. All confirmed cases continue to be linked to Harvey’s in North Bay, Ontario,” said Dr. Catherine Whiting, Medical Officer of Health. “I also understand that the child affected by Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), is now out of critical care and remains in hospital.”
The epidemiologists continue to analyze the data. The health unit thanks all those calling in to report they ate at Harvey’s North Bay, but have no symptoms. . We now have enough information for the study and do not need any more calls from those who do not have symptoms.
Dr. Whiting reinforces that, “if you have symptoms of diarrhea, which may be bloody, stomach cramps, and/or vomiting and possibly a fever you should seek medical attention immediately. In an outbreak of this type, I expect to see additional cases as people are exposed to others who are sick with E. coli O157:H7. Everyone must continue to be vigilant with hand washing and other precautions to prevent the spread of bacteria.”
People who have been ill should not return to work until they are symptom-free for 48 hours. For people who are sick with E. coli O157:H7 and work in a daycare, health care facility or in the food service industry, they must have a doctor’s note stating they have two negative stool samples, before they can return to work.
We still expect to have secondary cases reported - that is, people who get sick by being exposed to someone else sick with E. coli O157:H7. It is extremely important that anyone with E. coli symptoms take the following steps to prevent the spread:
• 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.
HUS, which can result in kidney failure, occurs in 3 to 5% of those infected with E.coli O157:H7 and up to 15% in children under age ten infected with E. coli O157:H7. Symptoms of HUS are irritability, fatigue, puffiness around the eyes and ankles, and a decrease in amount of urine produced. These symptoms start about one week after onset of E. coli symptoms and it is important to watch for these symptoms even after diarrhea starts to clear.
At this time, no specific product or process has been identified as the cause. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care continues to review the test results to determine any links to other E. coli outbreaks. For more information, media can contact the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Media Relations line at 1-888-414-4774. 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.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON 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
