Number of E. coli cases in Canada linked to romaine lettuce jumps to 22

Nov 24 2018, 8:45 am

The number of cases of E.coli in cases linked to romaine lettuce in Canada has jumped to 22.

Public Health Agency of Canada announced today that there are three new cases –bringing the total to 22.

There have been two new cases in Ontario and one in Quebec.

Individuals became sick between mid-October and early November 2018. There have been a total of four cases investigated in Ontario, 17 in Quebec, and one in New Brunswick.

Eight people have been hospitalized and one suffered from hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) — a severe complication that can result from E.coli infection.

After laboratory analysis, the genetics of this illness are reported to be linked to a previous E. coli outbreak from December 2017.

This means it’s likely the same strain of the illness causing the sickness in Canada and the US and it suggests “there may be a reoccurring source of contamination.”

People who become ill from E. coli can have a wide range of symptoms. Some may have no symptoms and some may become seriously ill and be hospitalized. Symptoms can appear within one to 10 days after infection and can include:

  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Little or no fever

If you have eaten this product but have no symptoms, there is no need to do anything.

However, if you become ill after consuming this lettuce:

  1. Practice good hand washing with warm water and soap to prevent the spread of illness
  2. Drink lots of clear fluids to stay hydrated
  3. Anyone who has bloody diarrhea or is concerned about their symptoms should see a health care provider immediately
  4. Antibiotics and anti-diarrhea medications should not be used to treat this infection unless prescribed by your health care provider

For more information 1-866-225-0709 or email: [email protected].

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