E. coli cases in North Bay, Ont., climb to 217
Canwest News Servicec
Published: Monday, October 27, 2008
Source of Article: http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=e17615f6-d5c8-4c77-96c2-986d759b4c6f
NORTH BAY,
Ont. - Regional health officials said Monday they are now investigating 217
cases of E. coli linked to a Harvey's
hamburger restaurant in this central Ontario
city.
That number, up from 207 reported Friday, also includes cases from eight
other Ontario health units, Quebec, and now British
Columbia.
Dr. Catherine Whiting also said of the 217 cases, 42 are confirmed to have
been infected with E. coli O157: H7, the strain that first turned up at the
fast-food restaurant earlier this month.
Whiting
said the affected individuals range in age from 12 months to 90 years.
One child, hospitalized last week, has been taken out of critical care but
remains in hospital.
Symptoms of E. coli infections can include diarrhea, stomach cramps,
vomiting and fever.
Investigators are still looking into the possibility that undercooked beef
served at the restaurant may be behind the outbreak. The restaurant has been
closed since Oct. 12.
The probe is being conducted by the North Bay/Parry Sound District Health
Unit, in collaboration with the Ontario Health Ministry, the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Last Friday, a $17-million class-action lawsuit was launched against Cara
Operations Ltd., the company that runs the Harvey's chain.
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