Public Health Agency of Canada – Updated: 05 Oct 2012 – Public Health Notice: E. coli O157 illness related to beef

OTTAWA, Oct. 5, 2012 /CNW/ – Why you should take note

Products contaminated with E. coli O157 can pose a serious public health risk.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has been working with its health and
food safety partners on an investigation into illnesses in Alberta that
have been linked to XL Foods Inc.

Today, one new case of E. coli illness was confirmed to be linked to a
specific strain of E. coli O157 observed in the XL Foods Inc. food
safety investigation.

The individual has fully recovered from the illness.

Status

Investigations into outbreaks of foodborne illness can be complex. Since
September 26, 2012, the Agency has been leading a committee that
includes public health and food safety experts from the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency, Health Canada and Provincial and Territorial Health
Authorities. The committee meets regularly to share and review the
latest information and determine what actions should be taken to
protect Canadians.

Based on all the information collected to date–epidemiological,
microbiological and food safety–the following cases of illness are
linked to products from XL Foods Inc. or illnesses associated with the
XL Foods Inc. food safety investigation.

     _______________________________________________
    |   Province / Territory  |Total confirmed cases|
    |_________________________|_____________________|
    |Alberta                  |               4     |
    |_________________________|_____________________|
    |Newfoundland and Labrador|               1     |
    |_________________________|_____________________|

At this time, there are no other cases linked to XL Foods Inc.,
Establishment 38.

More information about products that have been recalled and how that aspect of the investigation has unfolded, including the
temporary closure of Establishment 38, is available on the CFIA website .

E. coli O157 foodborne illnesses are not uncommon in Canada and no
unusual increases in the number of these illnesses have been detected
nationally.

The investigation continues with the partners working together to
protect the health and safety of Canadians.

What you should do

Most strains of E. coli are harmless; however, some strains, such as E. coli O157: H7, can make people sick, causing severe stomach cramps, diarrhea
and vomiting. Serious complications of an E. coli O157:H7 infection can include kidney failure.

If you think you are sick with an E. coli O157:H7 infection, consult a
healthcare professional.

Symptoms of an E. Coli O157:H7 infection

Like other foodborne illnesses, the symptoms of E. coli infection mainly involve the gut. Symptoms may vary from person to
person; however, they often include:

        --  severe stomach cramps;
        --  diarrhea (often watery and may develop into bloody);
        --  vomiting; and
        --  fever (generally not very high--usually less than
            38.5ÚC/101ÚF).

Around 5 to 10 per cent of those who get sick from E. coli O157:H7 overall and about 15 per cent of young children and the elderly
develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can be fatal. Symptoms
of HUS vary. Some people have seizures or strokes and some need blood
transfusions and kidney dialysis. Others live with side effects such as
permanent kidney damage.

Symptoms usually last five to seven days.

Who is most at risk?

Infections can occur among people of all ages, however symptoms are
likely to be more severe among the very young and the elderly. 
Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are also at high
risk of developing serious complications.

How to protect yourself

Proper hygiene and safe food handling and preparation practices are key
to preventing the spread of all foodborne illnesses, including E. coli.

Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of foodborne
illness.

Contaminated foods may look and smell normal. It is important to ensure
that you thoroughly cook foods to destroy bacteria. Recalled products, however, should not be consumed and should be thrown away.

General food safety

Everyone should practice these general food safety precautions at all times.

Additional information

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s information about this investigation, including recalls

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s E. coli O157:H7 fact sheet

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s Anatomy of a Foodborne Illness Outbreak

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s video series, Something you ate?

The Government of Canada food safety web portal

SOURCE PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA