E. coli case linked to lettuce confirmed in Ottawa
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has confirmed one case of E. coli linked to an outbreak in Ontario, Quebec and several U.S. states involving contaminated romaine lettuce.
The case was reported to OPH on Oct. 26. OPH is revealing little information about the case, revealing only that the patient is an adult under the age of 65.
The person reported consuming romaine lettuce, said Sherry Beadle, manager of public health inspections with OPH.
Beadle said tests conducted at a provincial laboratory confirmed the E.coli strain in the Ottawa case was the same as the strain linked to the current outbreak.
People are advised to throw out any open produce that may have touched the romaine lettuce, and wash any fridge drawers, containers or countertops where lettuce may have been stored with soap and warm water.
Beadle said any produce in sealed containers should be safe.
6 hospitalized
The Public Health Agency of Canada has warned Canadians not to consume romaine lettuce products.
According to the latest figures, there are 18 confirmed cases of E. coli under investigation in Canada connected with romaine lettuce, including three in Ontario and 15 in Quebec.
Six individuals have been hospitalized after becoming sick.
The strain of E. coli, known as O157, is reported to make people sick more often than other forms of the bacteria.
Symptoms of E. coli illness include nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, severe stomach cramps and watery or bloody diarrhea. People usually get better within five to 10 days and there is no specific treatment apart from staying hydrated.
The bacteria are naturally found in the intestines of farm animals. Contamination of vegetables and fruit can occur when they come in contact with animal feces.
Most forms of the bacteria are harmless.
Lettuce pulled from shelves, restaurants
Salad chain Green Rebel tossed out several cases of romaine lettuce at their Ottawa locations.
"We had our usual lettuce shipment brought in. It had already been cut and washed and I was told to throw it all in the garbage," said Carolyn Rowe, who manages the Albert Street location. She said her location was quieter Wednesday, which she believes could be because of public concern over the E.coli outbreak.
The Herb and Spice Shop on Wellington Street W. also had to trash more than two cases of romaine lettuce and romaine hearts.
"It's just part of the cost of doing business. Better to be safe than sorry," owner Mike Steinberg said.
Sobeys, Loblaws, Costco and Farm Boy have pulled romaine lettuce from all their stores across Canada due to the E. coli threat.
In a news release, Loblaws said it's removing all romaine lettuce products from store shelves "out of an abundance of caution."
Customers can return lettuce previously purchased to any store for a full refund, the company said.
