A few more cases added to the E. coli outbreak

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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There are now 235 cases, of which 45 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 includes cases from 9 other Ontario Health Units, Quebec and British Columbia. The investigation is ongoing, at this point; no product or process has been confirmed as the source of the outbreak.

E. coli O157:H7 can be passed from person to person by hand to mouth contact through improper hand washing after using the washroom. You can only spread E. coli after you have symptoms. 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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