Canadian E. coli victims rise to 131


NORTH BAY, Ontario, Oct 18, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Public health officials in
North Bay, Ontario, say the number of people sickened by E. coli bacteria at a
fast food restaurant has risen to 131.

Local Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Whiting told the Toronto Star she
expected the number to increase further in coming days because the bacteria's
incubation period that can last as long as 10 days.

She said three of the victims were being treated in hospitals after the outbreak
last weekend at a Harvey's restaurant. The victims range in age from 1 to 84
years old.

Whiting said preliminary suspicions on the source of the outbreak centers on
hamburgers, but that hadn't been conclusively proved. The restaurant was closed
Sunday night.

Most victims went to hospitals with symptoms of diarrhea, including bloody
diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting, the Star said.

Whiting said she believes the number of victims are high for a fairly small
community because the restaurant has a prime location at the intersection of two
highways.



URL: www.upi.com


Copyright 2008 by United Press International

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