The number outbreak cases of Escherichia coli O157 linked to the consumption of romaine lettuce in Canada has increased by 10 since our last report, bringing the total to 40.
The additional cases were reported in Ontario (2) and Quebec (8). 40 cases of E. coli O157 illness under investigation in five eastern provinces: Ontario (8), Quebec (13), New Brunswick (5), Nova Scotia (1), and Newfoundland and Labrador (13). Individuals became sick in November and early December 2017. Sixteen individuals have been hospitalized. One individual has died.
These illnesses indicate that contaminated romaine lettuce may still be on the market (including in restaurants, grocery stores and any establishments that serve food).
Because of the ongoing risk in eastern Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada is advising individuals in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador to consider consuming other types of lettuce, instead of romaine lettuce, until more is known about the outbreak and the cause of contamination.
At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that provinces in western Canada are affected by this outbreak.
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