SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Residents of Simcoe Muskoka are reminded to avoid eating romaine lettuce and salad mixes containing romaine lettuce. This follows a notice by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) of an outbreak of E. coli infections in Ontario, Quebec and several states in the United States linked to romaine lettuce.

In total, 18 cases of E. coli across Ontario and Quebec, based on the investigation to date, are linked with exposure to romaine lettuce identified as a source of the outbreak.

E. coli are a naturally occurring bacteria that live in the intestines of cattle, poultry and other animals that can be transmitted through food or water that has been contaminated.

Most people who become ill from an E. coli infection will recover on their own, however some people, including pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, young children and older adults are more at risk for developing serious complications. Infections from E. coli can cause symptoms including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.

For more information about the PHAC notice and investigation, see the PHAC website. For questions about E. coli, food safety and how to protect the health of you and your family, call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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