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Tally at 230 cases in todays E. coli update
By Kate Adams
BayToday.ca
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Source of Article: http://www.baytoday.ca/content/news/details.asp?c=28426
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release
There are now 230 cases, of which 45 are lab confirmed for E. coli O157:H7.
All confirmed cases are linked to Harveys North Bay and have an
onset of symptoms before October 22, 2008. These numbers include cases from 9
other Ontario Health Units, Quebec and British Columbia.
At this time, we remind anyone who has been sick with E. coli O157:H7 or
diarrhea, to prevent the spread. E. coli O157: H7 can be passed from person
to person by hand to mouth contact through improper hand washing after using
the washroom. Adults with E. coli can remain infectious for up to one week
after symptoms are over. Young children carry E. coli O157: H7 up to 3 weeks.
For information on test results, media can contact the Ministry of Health and
Long Term Care Media Relations line at 1-888-414-4774.
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.
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