Saskatoon Farm water warning turns full gastrointestinal outbreak, 235 patients identified
In a statement issued Friday, AHS officials confirmed there have been 18 lab-identified cases of E. coli, three of which also tested positive for amoebiasis. A total of 235 symptomatic individuals have been connected to the outbreak, along with two recent hospitalizations. One of the patients had since been discharged.
While the E. coli strain identified is said to generally go away without treatment, amoebiasis can 'cause gastrointestinal illness and, more rarely, severe infection of the liver, lungs, heart and brain,' even without previous symptoms indicating its presence.
It is believed Saskatoon Farm's water system was the source of the outbreak. AHS is asking anybody who dined on the premises between July 1 and 16 to follow established guidelines. After July 17, the farm changed water sources and singularly sold canned or bottled beverages in the wake of the issue.
Individuals without symptoms are still asked to call Health Link at 811 'on or after July 30 for amoebiasis screening.' Those who are experiencing symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, are recommended to make that call for screening right away.
The farm is still selling produce, including their Saskatoon berry namesake. Farm officials say they have worked closely with AHS to ensure their customers' safety.
'Our berries are irrigated using well water and rainfall, which is not connected to the water system that led to the current restaurant closure,' they said in a Facebook reply. 'The water used for rinsing our produce is non-potable, but it has been tested and approved by AHS as a satisfactory water source.'
They still encourage those who purchase produce to give a secondary wash thoroughly at home before consumption.
The restaurant on site was closed July 23, and will remain so until 'public health inspectors and medical officers of health have deemed it safe to reopen,' AHS said. The front office, gift store and farmers' market stand remain open.
'We are fully cooperating with AHS and are taking all necessary actions to address the situation and work toward a safe reopening in accordance with their directives,' Saskatoon Farm said.
With files from Devon Dekuyper.
KTulloch@postmedia.com
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