E. coli infections traced to Canadian farm restaurant top 100; parasitic infections also increase

Public health officials have now identified more than 100 patients in an outbreak of E. coli infections related to the Saskatoon Farm restaurant and bakery in Canada.

The Alberta Health Services announced the number of patients stands at 107 as of Aug. 15, up from 49 on Aug. 5. Of those with E. coli infections, there are 68 patients who have also tested positive for the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. 

The farm’s restaurant and bakery remain closed as an investigation into the outbreak continues. It was first reported on July 25. Inspectors are looking at the water supply for the restaurant and bakery as a possible source of the E. coli and parasite. Amoebiasis from the parasite can cause gastrointestinal illness and, more rarely, severe infection of the liver, lungs, heart and brain, even without previous symptoms indicating its presence, according to the health services.

Regardless of symptoms or the lack thereof, people who ate or drank at the restaurant or bakery during the window of exposure, July 1 through 18, are urged to seek testing.

Individuals without symptoms can pick up an asymptomatic testing kit for the parasite from the APL Provincial Laboratory for Public Health at 3030 Hospital Drive N.W., Alberta Health Services says. The testing can be completed at home and dropped off at any APL collection.

People with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea are encouraged to visit their primary care provider for testing, or call Health Link at 811.

Labs have tested about 1,000 specimens as part of the response to this outbreak. Patients with 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,” AHS said.

The official AHS web page about the outbreak says that berries picked at the location are safe to eat, but adds that “fruit and produce should always be thoroughly washed before eating.”

About E. coli infections
Anyone who ate or drank at the Saskatoon Farm bakery or restaurant and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure to the bacteria. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor. 

Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients. 

People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.

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