Toronto Public Health Warns “Hundreds” At Risk For E. coli
Posted July 12, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It started out as an innocent picnic. It may wind up as something far more serious. Toronto Public Health has put out an urgent warning directed at people who attended a large picnic on Canada Day. Their concern: hundreds of revellers may have come into contact with a dangerous strain of E. coli.
At least six people have become ill after eating food contaminated by the bug and those in charge fear the contagious infection could easily be spread to their families. So far, four patients have been sent to hospital and one has developed serious kidney problems.
The health experts note this isn’t a minor problem – several hundred people attended the event at Scarborough’s Morningside Park on July 1st. The event involved a reunion for the Pungudutivu Students Association of Sri Lanka. The strain – known as E.coli 0157 – was the same kind that contaminated Walkerton’s water supply in May 2000. Seven people died from drinking that H20, while hundreds more were sickened.
“Toronto Public Health is asking anyone who attended this picnic on July 1 to watch for symptoms of E. coli,” Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Barbara Yaffe pleads in a statement. “Symptoms include diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.” She warns the strain can be contagious and potentially even fatal, so even if you weren’t there but a family member was, you may be at risk. Children under five face the highest danger, but it can potentially affect anyone. Early treatment is your best defence.
Officials still aren’t sure what the source of the bug is, but say it often comes during picnics and barbeques. “Typical barbeque fare, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, quarter chicken, all of these things, including some indigenous Sri Lankan dishes were served,” explains Public Heath’s Dr. Herveen Sachdeva. Even if you’re not affected, there’s a lesson in what happened if your family is planning a summer outing.
But if you think you or someone you know has been exposed, don’t prepare any food, keep your kids out of daycare, where it can be easily spread, avoid pets, and see your physician immediately. And if you need more information, call Toronto Public Health at (416) 338-7600.
Find out more about E. coli here
