In a follow-up on the E. coli outbreak linked to a Filipino restaurant in Edmonton, Alberta Health Services (AHS) Environmental Public Health reports expanding its investigation into the source of an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7, beyond cases directly linked to an Edmonton restaurant late last month.
The number of lab-confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 has increased to 34, including 11 patients who have needed hospital care, and one patient who has died likely due to E. coli infection.
While 21 of these lab-confirmed cases are linked to Mama Nita’s Binalot restaurant in Edmonton, AHS no longer has public health concerns related to this business.
However, AHS is investigating 13 lab-confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 that have no known links to Mama Nita’s Binalot.
At this time, we have not identified the source of these cases, however we do believe they are linked to the initial outbreak.
“This outbreak is extremely complex, however AHS, in partnership with other provincial and federal agencies, is doing all we can to protect the health of Albertans. The risk of illness remains very low,” said Dr. Chris Sikora, Medical Officer of Health, Edmonton Zone.
Anyone who has symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 should contact Health Link. The predominant symptom associated with E. coli O157:H7 is diarrhea, which may be bloody. In more severe forms of the disease, hemolytic uremic syndrome (a form of kidney failure) can develop.
Symptoms usually start one to 10 days after eating food contaminated with E. coli bacteria. If you are concerned or start to develop symptoms, please visit a healthcare clinic or your family physician as soon as possible. It is important that you mention your possible exposure to E. coli O157:H7.
Children, the elderly and the immunocompromised are at greater risk of complications from this strain of E. coli. The majority of individuals who get sick from E. coli O157:H7 will improve on their own within 10 days, but a small proportion may develop complications.
AHS has worked closely with the owners of Mama Nita’s Binalot since it was identified that a cluster of people with lab confirmed E. coli O157:H7 ate at the restaurant. The owners have taken significant steps to manage this issue, including voluntarily closing until AHS was confident the restaurant could reopen without presenting a risk to the public.
Environmental public health staff have worked closely with the restaurant operator and staff to increase safety and reduce risk. These measures include increased hand hygiene measures, food safety re-education for staff, some minor renovations, and close monitoring of food handling practices.
As always, Albertans are reminded to stay home when sick, refrain from preparing foods while sick with diarrhea, and always wash hands well with soap and warm water before preparing foods or drinks or before eating or drinking.
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