The Public Health Agency of Canada is warning people not to eat romaine Lettuce due to a strain of E. coli bacteria. The strain of E. coli found is the same strain as the outbreak last year, which means the Public Health Agency of Canada have not found the source of E. coli since last year.
There has been 18 confirmed cases of E. coli bacterial infection in Canada. 15 of those cases were found in Quebec and Ontario. Six people have been hospitalized to date.
The reason the Public Health Agency of Canada has not placed a “RECALL” on the lettuce is becuase they have yet to determine the origin of the E. coli bacteria.
Symptoms of E. coli illness include nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, severe stomach cramps and watery or bloody diarrhea. People usually get better within five to 10 days and there is no “real treatment” apart from staying hydrated.
E. coli bacteria are naturally found in the intestines of farm animals. Contamination of vegetables and fruit can occur when they come in contact with animal feces. Most forms of the bacteria are harmless.
The Public Health Agency of Canada offers this advice:
“Individuals in Ontario and Quebec should avoid eating romaine lettuce and salad mixes containing romaine lettuce until more is known about the outbreak and the cause of contamination.”
