Alberta Health Services (AHS) officials said there has been an increase in the number of E. coli cases in the Edmonton Zone, and they’re warning Edmonton residents about the bacteria.
AHS said 24 E. coli cases have been confirmed in the Edmonton Zone in recent weeks – and it’s believed bean sprouts may be to blame for the spike.
Going into the long weekend, health officials are reminding residents that E. coli infections can happen when a person eats or drinks something that has come in contact with the feces of humans or animals.
“We are reminding people to be aware of the risks of E. coli, and really cook your food,” Dr. Chris Sikora with Alberta Health Services said. “Prepare it well, wash your hands and wash your fruits and vegetables prior to preparation.”
People are also advised to take precautions such as cooking beef to at least 71 degrees Celsius, wash your hands with hot, soapy water while working in the kitchen, especially after touching raw meat, wash tools or kitchen surfaces that have touched raw meat, use only pasteurized milk, dairy and juice products, and only use treated or chlorinated water.
The current outbreak is over, and there’s no further risk to the public, AHS said, as it’s believed only one batch of bean sprouts was infected.
In 2013, AHS saw 20 cases of E. coli.
