Alberta Health Services in Canada is announcing a recent cluster of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in Edmonton Zone. The government is not releasing any officials information about the probable cause of this increase, but other news agencies are reporting that bean sprouts may be the culprit.
liMost of the people who have been sickened reported becoming ill in the last week. The government is advising consumers to take precautions to prevent this illness when preparing food. This is good advice for any person.
Cook beef to at least 160°F – in fact, cook all ground meats to that temperature. Always wash vegetables and fruits before cutting or eating. Scrub firm-skinend produce such as cantaloupes with a brush under running water.
Wash your hands frequently with hot, soapy water, after using the bathroom, after touching raw meat, and before handling, preparing or serving food. Only consume pasteurized milk, dairy, and juice products. Only drink, treated or chlorinated drinking water. Raw sprouts are a particular concern because the sprouting environment encourages bacterial growth. Many E. coli outbreaks have been linked to raw sprouts in the past few years, both in Canada and the U.S. If you are in a high risk group for foodborne illness, avoid raw sprouts or cook them thoroughly before eating.
E. coli is a shiga toxin-producing bacteria that lives in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. E. coli O157:H7 can cause serious illness, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) that can cause kidney failure and death.
If you or anyone you know has been suffering abdominal cramps and watery and/or bloody diarrhea, see a health scare professional immediately. You can call Health Link Alberta toll-free at 1-866-408-5465.
