A deadly E.coli outbreak in Canada linked to raw cheese products manufactured by Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm in Salmon Arm, British Columbia has killed one person and sickened 2o others, according to Canada’s Public Health Agency (PHAC). Of the 21 confirmed cases of E.coli O157:H7 infection, nine are in British Columbia, nine are in Alberta and there is 1 each in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec. The fatality was in British Columbia, all other cases have recovered or are recovering.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a Health Hazard Alert for contaminated cheeses which have been recalled. Consumers who have these products should not eat them.
Symptoms of an E.coli infection include vomiting, fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea that can be bloody. Symptoms usually set in within three days of exposure and last between five and 10 days. Between 5 to 10 percent of those with E.coli infections develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), an acute renal failure which can be fatal. Children, seniors are at particular risk.
For those sickened in this outbreak, onset of illness dates range from mid-July to early September. If you have eaten this cheese and develop symptoms see a doctor.
