E. coli Outbreak Declared Over
November 26, 2008 - Campus Bulletin
The E. coli outbreak is officially over, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health announced today. In total, there were seven confirmed cases, all U of G students.
Two incubation periods - the maximum amount of time a person can develop symptoms after exposure - have passed without any new exposures, the health agency says. The incubation period for E. coli is up to 10 days, with the average being three to four days. The onset of reported symptoms was Oct. 21.
U of G was first told that Public Health was investigating an E. coli outbreak on campus Nov. 6. The strain, identified as E. coli 0157, has been linked to other outbreaks in the Halton, Niagara and Waterloo regions.
While Public Health has closed its investigation into the local E. coli outbreak, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is investigating E. coli cases that have the same DNA fingerprint in several local public health units. The Ministry is working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada on the investigation to find a source of the various outbreaks.
U of G remains concerned about those who fell ill. The University would like to express its appreciation to the U of G and local communities for their patience and understanding. The University regrets any inconvenience or concerns this situation may have caused.
