Alberta Health Services (AHS) has recently seen an increase in E. coli cases associated with the Saskatoon Farm outbreak. As of August 14, they have identified 107 probable laboratory confirmed cases. The outbreak is worrying enough to health authorities that, as NPR reported at the beginning of this month, an epidemic of related parasitic infection AHS has been watching closely as this evolves. They recommend that anyone who ate food or drank beverages from the farm between July 1 and 18 get tested.
E. coli outbreaks have increased exponentially. They were up from 68 probable cases reported on August 6 to a total of 107 at this writing. The jump, from 62 to 83 recalls, is scary. Parasitic infections account for 64 percent of the E. coli infections associated with this outbreak. Health officials explained that just 17 percent of cases had been traced when they first sent the initial closure order. This is a testament to the urgency of the moment.
Ongoing Testing and Response
In response to the ongoing outbreak, AHS has prioritized aggressive measures. They have systematically tested close to 1,000 specimens to find cases of E. coli and other parasitic infections. The organization has been watching the news closely as reports continue to develop, and has released advice for those who might have been impacted.
“Individuals without symptoms can pick up an asymptomatic testing kit from the APL Provincial Laboratory for Public Health,” stated AHS. Through this initiative, we hope that you will be inspired to promote early detection and contribute to the containment of this outbreak.
Health authorities are currently looking into possible connections between multiple pathogens and the outbreak. It may be a long time before they can conclusively link these pathogens to this particular outbreak. “It has yet to be determined if these pathogens can be linked to this investigation,” AHS officials remarked.
Parasitic Infections on the Rise
The E. coli outbreak is not the only thing to worry about. As of 6 August, we have similarly observed a surge of amoebiasis cases, with 45 total reported. This increase is part of a larger trend of gastrointestinal illnesses caused by both viral and bacterial pathogens.
AHS reminded people that norovirus and rotavirus are two viruses often associated with gastrointestinal illness. They reminded the Cornish public to remain alert, particularly to any person who had visited the farm within the exposure period.
The health implications of these infections can be serious. They “cause gastrointestinal illness and, more rarely, severe infection of the liver, lungs, heart, and brain,” according to AHS.
The Saskatoon Farm’s Response
Since the outbreak, Saskatoon Farm has released public statements defending its practices. They emphasize their commitment to food safety, stating, “We irrigate using rainwater (both collected and naturally falling). After harvesting, all produce is rinsed with treated well water to remove any soil.”
The farm’s response underscores the importance of safe food handling and sanitation practices in preventing such outbreaks in the future.
