Case numbers still climbing in E. coli outbreak

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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There are now 237 cases, of which 46 are lab confirmed for E. coli O157:H7. All confirmed cases are linked to Harvey’s North Bay and had an onset of symptoms before October 22, 2008. This total includes cases from 9 other Ontario Health Units, Quebec and British Columbia.

All food samples analyzed as of October 25 have come back negative for E. coli O157:H7. We await results of further food samples. The investigation continues and at this time, no product or process has been confirmed as the source of the outbreak. We received information from the other health units about people who ate at Harvey’s in North Bay and were not ill. With this information, data analysis is progressing.

The Health Unit is returning to their normal hours of operation and will not be open over the weekend. We continue to be available for emergencies 24/7. The office will open at the regular time of 8:30 am on Monday morning.

E. coli can only spread after you have symptoms. E. coli O157:H7 can be passed from person to person by hand to mouth contact through improper hand washing after using the washroom. Once symptoms are over, you can still spread E. coli for up to one week and young children for up to 3 weeks.

We remind anyone who has been sick with E. coli O157:H7 or diarrhea, 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.

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

• 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 a laboratory test is negative.

For information on test results, media can contact the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Media Relations line at 1-888-414-4774.

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