Wave of infections with the bacterium E. coli linked to romaine lettuce

QMI agency

Tuesday, December 12, 2017 00:07

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Tuesday, December 12, 2017 00:07

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OTTAWA – A wave of infections caused by the bacteria E coli linked to the consumption of romaine lettuce has spread to three provinces, including Quebec, has warned Health Canada.

In a statement, the ministry explained that it had identified 21 cases of infection during the month of November, three in Quebec, five in New Brunswick and 13 in Newfoundland and Labrador. Ten people had to be hospitalized, but no deaths occurred.

Many of the people who have been infected with the bacteria have reported eating romaine lettuce before they fall sick. The source of those salads that could be contaminated, however, has not been identified. No product recall has therefore been triggered.

Health Canada has taken the opportunity to indicate that it is important to thoroughly wash his lettuce under running water before consumption, since the leaves of salad can easily come into contact with the bacteria, either in the field, during harvesting or during handling.

The bacterium E. coli can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, a mild fever, stomach cramps and diarrhea, listed by Health Canada. The case of death, very rare, are possible, however.