On the evening of Friday, September 29th, Alanna Jensen raised the alarm regarding the water contamination occurring at Saskatoon Farm. Her concerns were based on a deeply disturbing outbreak that has affected 235 people. Based on tests and inspections, health officials have identified the farm’s water supply as the primary source of the outbreak. That unfortunate condition has resulted in two hospitalizations, the second of whom has been discharged already. That investigation into the outbreak picked up steam after Jensen and her friend Kayla Scott’s trip to the farm last Wednesday. While on their trip, all of their food and water came directly from the farm.
Dr. Francesco Rizzuti, Nunavut’s Chief Public Health Officer, confirmed in a news release that recent testing has matched the strain of E. coli linked to this outbreak. For diagnostic purposes, it is known as Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli. This strain is very different from the more typical E. coli strains and presents different health risks. Farther south, the outbreak has forced Alberta Health Services (AHS) to close the food services at Saskatoon Farm. This closure has been in effect as of July 23.
Symptoms and Hospitalizations
The nationwide outbreak has resulted in the most reported symptoms ever, with some individuals experiencing severe gastrointestinal inflammation and distress. Two people even needed to be hospitalized after dining at the farm’s full-service restaurant. The trip would inevitably affect both Jensen and Scott sick in remarkably few days after their abroad travel. They began to connect their symptoms with the water they were drinking at the plant.
“There were three of us that went to the farm. Two of us ended up sick, and the two of us that were sick were the ones that drank the water.” – Alanna Jensen
Sharon Scott echoed praise for her experience, sharing how this outbreak has profoundly affected her life.
“I haven’t ever experienced anything like this,” – Kayla Scott
Scott expressed concerns about her health affecting her ability to care for her child:
“My already-low milk supply for my daughter has gotten even lower because I can’t eat, I can barely drink. That’s been a huge cause of stress for us. This whole thing has just been a nightmare.” – Kayla Scott
Health Authority Response
AHS officials are encouraging anyone who consumed food or drink at Saskatoon Farm from July 1 to 16 to contact them. Signs of amputation or loss of limb If you have any symptoms, call HealthLink at 1-844-6HEALTH or visit your primary care provider. For those who dined at the farm during this period but remain asymptomatic, testing will be available starting July 30.
Dr. Rizzuti underscored the importance of water testing in rural, agricultural land 6, particularly following intense rain events 7. These storm events are enough to greatly endanger drinking water quality. That’s something microbiologist Jason Tetro drove home passionately and repeatedly. Given these issues, he urged those who work in such settings to remain vigilant in monitoring water safety.
“It’s very rare that we see this, but if you suspect that a lot of rain has occurred and you know that you’re going into an environment that may be using water that isn’t pressurized and treated like we do in the city, it’s OK to ask for bottles.” – Microbiologist Jason Tetro
Changes Implemented at Saskatoon Farm
Once the outbreak passed, Saskatoon Farm went to work. They shut down their legacy water system and connected to an alternative source immediately. AHS officials have assured that the new water source has been tested numerous times since it was implemented and has provided satisfactory results.
“The Saskatoon Farm has since disabled that water system and have switched to a different water source. This water source has been tested multiple times since the switch by AHS. We’ve received these water results. They are satisfactory.” – Dr. Francesco Rizzuti
The repeated positive detection of Entamoeba histolytica, the parasite that causes amoebiasis, in three stool tests deepens the cause for concern. There have been no clinically confirmed diagnoses of amoebiasis related to this outbreak.
