Number of Saskatoon Farm E.coli cases breaks triple digits
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There have been '107 probable laboratory cases of E. coli,' as of Aug. 14, according to the latest statement from Alberta Health Services. In 68 of those cases, infection with the parasite Entamoeba histolytica has also been identified.
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That accounts for roughly 64 per cent of E.coli cases also seeing the parasitic infection. When the closure notice was first issued, that number in identified cases was only around 17 per cent.
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While the E. coli strain identified is said to usually 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.
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Regardless of symptoms, those who consumed food or beverage at the location within the exposure window of July 1 to 18 are encouraged to seek testing.
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Alberta Health Services says that 'individuals without symptoms can pick up an asymptomatic testing kit from the APL Provincial Laboratory for Public Health,' located at 3030 Hospital Drive N.W. The testing can be completed at home, and dropped off at any APL collection in the city to be processed.
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Those with symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, are encouraged to visit their primary care provider for testing or call Health Link at 811.
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Labs have tested around 1,000 specimens as part of the response to this outbreak.
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Cases of norovirus and rotavirus have also been identified as part of that testing, but 'it has yet to be determined if these pathogens can be linked to this investigation,' health services said.
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'Both norovirus and rotavirus are common viruses associated with gastrointestinal illness.'
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Saskatoon Farm has yet to announce a re-opening of their bakery or restaurant, and in social media posts indicate that water systems on site are still under investigation.
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Other aspects of the venue remain open to the public, namely the produce farm and U-pick experiences. Saskatoon Farm has made repeated statements that the water used to rinse and irrigate is separate from any water systems currently under review, and that any water associated with produce has been approved by Alberta Health Services.
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'We irrigate using rainwater (both collected and naturally falling). After harvesting, all produce is rinsed with treated well water to remove any soil,' Saskatoon Farm said in a Facebook post.
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