Latest news with #EColi
CTV News
3 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Number of E. Coli cases linked to Saskatoon Farm restaurant jumps to 107: AHS
The sign at the Saskatoon Farm near Okotoks, Alta. Alberta Health Services (AHS) says the number of E. Coli cases believed to be linked to the restaurant at the Saskatoon Farm is now more than 100. AHS says as of Thursday, Aug. 14, there were 107 probable laboratory cases of E. coli; 68 also tested positive for Entamoeba histolytica, the parasite that causes amoebiasis. So far, four people have been hospitalized, three of whom have since been released. 'Due to ongoing testing and review, the numbers may fluctuate,' AHS said in a statement. AHS ordered the restaurant at the Saskatoon Farm, south of Calgary, to close on July 23 after dozens of people who dined at the facility became ill. AHS has said the facility's water supply is likely the source of the gastrointestinal outbreak. 'As part of the laboratory testing, other pathogens including norovirus and rotavirus have been identified by the laboratory. It has yet to be determined if these pathogens can be linked to this investigation,' AHS said in a Friday statement. 'Both norovirus and rotavirus are common viruses associated with gastrointestinal illness.'
Bloomberg
07-08-2025
- Health
- Bloomberg
Florida Links E. Coli and Campylobacter Outbreak to Raw Milk Farm
The Florida Department of Health has identified a farm that sells raw milk for pets as the link to a food poisoning outbreak that has sickened more than 20 people in the state. The agency said severe E. coli and campylobacter infections were tied to Keely Farms Dairy in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, on the eastern coast about 15 miles south of Daytona Beach.
Scottish Sun
30-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning after surge in deadly food poisonings – as health officials link outbreak to contaminated salad leaves
From symptoms to how to avoid it - find out everything you need to know about the infection below BUG BEAR Urgent warning after surge in deadly food poisonings – as health officials link outbreak to contaminated salad leaves HEALTH officials have warned of a rise in dangerous gut infections in England - and one major outbreak was linked to contaminated salad leaves. In severe cases, infections can lead to a serious, life-threatening condition. Advertisement 2 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can cause a potentially deadly condition in severe cases Credit: Getty New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed a 26 per cent rise in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections in 2024 when compared to 2023. Overall, 2,544 cases of STEC were confirmed last year, with 564 cases of STEC serotype O157 - the strain linked to severe illness. There were 1,980 cases of other STEC serotypes (non-0157), which have become increasingly common and are considered less dangerous. Typically, STEC bacteria causes gastroenteritis, with symptoms ranging from mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration. Advertisement But in severe cases, they can cause haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) - a potentially deadly condition that predominantly affects the kidneys. STEC bacteria are spread through contact with animals or their faeces, consuming contaminated food or water, and from person to person. Dr Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal infections, Food Safety and One Health at UKHSA, said: "It's important for people to take steps to prevent infection. 'Rarely STEC can progress to cause kidney failure and life-threatening illness, particularly in young children and elderly. Advertisement "Please consult your GP or healthcare professional if you have blood in your stools or severe dehydration and continue to hydrate yourself.' The highest incidence of STEC cases in 2024 was in children aged one to four years. Food Standards Agency explains E Coli Experts said this may be explained by a combination of factors such as less time to build immunity to infection, less developed hygiene practices, a greater likelihood of parents seeking healthcare when young children are symptomatic, and potential exposure to risk factors such as contact with farm animals, particularly at petting farms. Travel-related cases increased by 60.5 per cent from 114 in 2023 to 183 in 2024 Advertisement The UKHSA said this increase may reflect changes in international travel patterns or improved ascertainment of travel history during investigations, although the underlying reasons remain uncertain. In 2024, there were seven deaths among STEC cases - two linked to STEC O157 and five to non-O157 strains. The UKHSA investigated five STEC outbreaks at the time, which accounted for 467 cases - 348 of them in England. All were caused by STEC non-O157. Advertisement 2 A source of one of the outbreaks was salad leaves Credit: Getty - Contributor The sources for three of these were contaminated beef, fresh fruit, and salad leaves. Non-O157 cases have increased nearly three times since 2019. The UKHSA suggested the rise may be due to diagnostic laboratories using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which has improved detection. Advertisement While non-O157 infections usually peak in autumn, O157 types peak in summer, so people have been advised to take care throughout the year. Natasha Smith, Director of Food Policy at the FSA, said: "Public safety is our highest priority. The FSA works closely with UKHSA and other partners to monitor and assess the latest foodborne disease data. "We are working together to understand the reasons behind the rise in STEC cases, as well as trends in other pathogens, to help us take the necessary action to protect public health. "We've launched a new food safety campaign to help people stay safe - find out more on Advertisement "We're also working with local authorities and industry to support businesses meet their legal responsibility to make sure food is safe. Consumers can further protect themselves by checking Food Hygiene Ratings on before eating out. 'When preparing food at home, people can reduce their risk of food poisoning by following good hygiene practices and by following advice on the 4Cs of food hygiene: chilling, cleaning, cooking, and avoiding cross-contamination.'
Hindustan Times
27-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Steps being taken to fix Janakpuri water supply purity: Delhi Jal Board to NGT
More than two months after residents of Janakpuri's A Block flagged the alarming presence of sewage in their drinking water, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has detailed a series of short-term and long-term measures being taken to fix the issue, according to an affidavit submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday. Steps being taken to fix Janakpuri water supply purity: Delhi Jal Board to NGT This comes days after the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) submitted fresh test results showing that five out of six water samples lifted from the area on June 30 tested positive for total coliform and E Coli. The findings, which were submitted to NGT on July 15, were the second such warning in two months. In May, CPCB had reported E Coli and faecal coliform in six of 20 samples lifted from the same neighbourhood. The data reinforced complaints made by residents in a plea to the tribunal, prompting NGT to direct DJB to provide alternative sources of clean water and initiate immediate remedial action. According to the CPCB report, E Coli levels in the water ranged from 7.8 units per 100ml to 280,000 units per 100ml, which was far above the zero-tolerance standard laid out by the Bureau of Indian Standards. In its response, DJB said that 59 water samples were tested between March and mid-July. Of these, three were found unsatisfactory. The agency said it traced contamination to damaged house connections—specifically at addresses such as A1/141, A1/57, and A1/65—which have since been repaired. 'However, after taking remedial measures, fresh samples were collected from the premises, all of which were thereafter found satisfactory,' DJB added in the affidavit. A dead water line at A1/61 was also found connected to the main distribution line. It was removed in June. To isolate leaks, three sluice valves were installed this month, leading to the identification of two major sources of contamination: a cracked gate valve near Gate No. 4, replaced on July 23, and a broken underground pipe near A1/36, replaced overnight on July 22. Water tankers, the affidavit added, had been deployed in the colony, though many residents reportedly did not make use of them. The long-term fix, DJB said, involves replacing the ageing water and sewer lines in the block—some of which are over four decades old. The agency said the project had been delayed due to funding issues but has now been sanctioned. A Letter of Intent was issued on July 18 and tenders have been floated, with work expected to begin after the monsoon and completed within six months. NGT had earlier criticised DJB's lack of urgency, pointing out that complaints had been raised nearly three months before the May 30 order that directed the agency to ensure uninterrupted supply of potable water.
CBC
18-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Lac Leamy deemed safe after mystery spill, NCC says
Social Sharing The National Capital Commission (NCC) says Lac Leamy is safe after a mysterious and unspecified hydrocarbon spill earlier this week, but high E. Coli counts are keeping the beach closed for swimming Friday. On Tuesday, the NCC closed the Gatineau, Que., beach for swimming and recommended against other uses while it investigated and contained what the province called a "hydrocarbon sheen" on the water. Hydrocarbons can include fuels such as gasoline, although motorized boats aren't permitted on Lac Leamy. In a news release Thursday, the NCC said the substance has now been absorbed and investigators believe the spill was not dangerous to humans. "Nothing observed on site allows the source of the product found on the surface of the water to be clearly identified," the commission said. However, regular water quality testing has shown high E. Coli levels, so swimming at Lac Leamy is still prohibited until further notice.
