TORONTO – Public health officials are investigating an outbreak of E. coli infections that occurred across four provinces this summer.
The Public Health Agency of Canada reported 24 cases of E. coli in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia where individuals became sick between July 12 and Aug. 8.
READ MORE: Are food-borne illnesses, recalls on the rise in Canada?
Five of the patients were hospitalized, but the agency says all are recovering or have already recovered.
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Officials say they have not yet identified the source or product causing the outbreak.
The agency says the risk of contracting an E. coli infection is low, but Canadians should take care to follow safe food handling practices, such as thoroughly cooking meat products and washing fruit and vegetables.
The agency reports an average of 440 E. coli infections across the country per year.
E. coli in Alberta
Alberta Health Services said only one case linked to the current outbreak is located in the province. The case is under investigation “to determine exposure history,” said a spokesperson.
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Here’s a look at the number of E. coli cases confirmed in Alberta, by zone, to-date in 2015:
Calgary Zone – 45 cases
Central Zone – seven cases
Edmonton Zone – 15 cases
North Zone – four cases
South Zone – nine cases
Provincial Total – 80 cases
Below is a look at the number of E. coli cases confirmed in Alberta, by zone, in all of 2014:
Calgary Zone – 106 cases
Central Zone – nine cases
Edmotnon Zone – 69 cases
North Zone – nine cases
South Zone – 27 cases
Provincial Total – 220 cases
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