Alberta Health Services in Alberta, Canada has confirmed a gastrointestinal outbreak at the Saskatoon Farms food facility, with health officials attributing the incident to E. coli and amoebiasis contamination. The outbreak has affected hundreds of individuals who visited the facility during a two-week period in July.
Health authorities have documented 18 laboratory-confirmed cases of E. coli infection, with three of these cases also testing positive for amoebiasis. The total number of symptomatic individuals connected to the outbreak has reached 235, according to Alberta Health Services data. Two people required hospitalization due to their illness, though one patient has been released from medical care.
The specific strain of E. coli identified in this outbreak is Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli, commonly abbreviated as EIEC. This bacterial strain differs from other E. coli varieties as it does not produce toxins and typically resolves without medical intervention. EIEC is not commonly present in treated municipal water supplies.
Amoebiasis represents the second pathogen involved in this outbreak. The condition stems from infection by Entamoeba histolytica, a parasitic organism. While many individuals infected with this parasite experience no symptoms, it can trigger gastrointestinal distress. In severe cases, the parasite may cause serious infections affecting the liver, lungs, heart, and brain.
Investigation findings point to the facility’s water system as the probable source of contamination. In response to these findings, Saskatoon Farm management has deactivated the suspect water system and implemented an alternative water source. Laboratory testing and inspections by Alberta Health Services Environmental Public Health officials have verified the safety of the replacement water supply.
Public health inspectors have conducted numerous site visits to the facility since the first illness reports emerged. During these inspections, officials collected samples from food preparation areas and the water distribution system for comprehensive laboratory analysis.
Alberta Health Services issued a mandatory closure order for the food facility on July 23. The facility will remain shuttered until all conditions specified in the order are satisfied and public health inspectors, along with medical officers of health, determine it is safe for reopening. Other areas of the venue continue normal operations.
Health officials are advising anyone who consumed food, beverages, or water at the facility between July 1 and July 16 to monitor their health status. Individuals experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain should contact Health Link at 811 in Alberta for medical assessment and testing recommendations.
Those without symptoms are encouraged to call Health Link on or after July 30 for amoebiasis screening. Health authorities emphasize that amoebiasis infections may not produce immediate symptoms but can develop into serious medical conditions. The screening recommendation aims to identify asymptomatic cases and provide appropriate treatment to prevent future complications.
