Media inquiries: Caroline Tennant, Communications Coordinator (705) 474-1400, ext 2221         1-800-563-2808

For release: October 20, 2008

E. Coli O157:H7 OUTBREAK UPDATE – October 20, 2008

There are now a total of 141 cases, of which 28 are lab confirmed for E. coli O157:H7, which includes cases being investigated by six other health units in Ontario. The case numbers are down because further information has shown that 18 people are not part of this outbreak. At this time, all of the 141 cases are linked to one location - the Harvey’s Restaurant in North Bay. The numbers of those becoming ill due to E. coli are slowing, indicating the outbreak has peaked and is beginning to decline. People who are ill range from 1 to 90 years old, and most are now recovering at home.

“It is very important that anyone with E. coli O157:H7 prevent the spread of the bacteria by taking precautions,” says Dr. Catherine Whiting, Medical Officer of Health for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. “E. coli O157:H7 must be consumed to make someone sick and is usually transmitted by food containing the bacteria or from person to person, for example, from contaminated hands to the mouth.”

The Health Unit recommends the following precautions to prevent the spread of E coli to others:

• 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   

To help prevent the spread of E. coli O157:H7, the Health Unit reminds all employers that any staff who are ill should not be working.

“We are doing everything we can to look for the specific source of the E. coli,” said Dr. Whiting. “However, in the majority of these types of outbreaks, despite everyone’s best efforts, the specific source is never found.”

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.

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.
• Make healthy choices by choosing healthy foods from Canada’s Food Guide; get plenty of sleep and be active on a regular basis.

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 continues to be very cooperative during this investigation. 

For more information about E. coli O157:H7, contact:

• Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 day or night
• The Health Unit at 474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808
• www.healthunit.biz

 

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