ONTARIO: Salmonella outbreak up to almost 100 cases

21.nov.07
London Free Press
John Miner

Barfblog

The salmonella outbreak at the University of Western Ontario jumped to almost 100 cases yesterday including 11 new laboratory-confirmed cases bringing the total of confirmed cases to 53.
Another 44 people have the symptoms of salmonella infection that include fever, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Five people have been hospitalized, mainly to treat dehydration.
Bryna Warshawsky, the health unit's associate medical officer of health, was quoted as saying, "We are hoping that whatever the source of contamination is, that it has been removed."
Warshawsky was further cited as saying that health officials theorize the salmonella contamination originated at the Pita Pit fast-food outlet at the University Community Centre food court, the Centre Spot, and spread to other food preparation services at the food court, said.
During the weekend, the university shut down the Centre Spot in an effort to wipe out the contamination.
Out of the previous laboratory-confirmed cases, 29 individuals ate at the Pita Pit at the Centre Spot. A dozen others also ate at the Centre Spot, but not the Pita Pit.
Out of the 44 people showing symptoms that haven't been confirmed by lab tests, 31 reported eating at the Pita Pit, Warshawsky said.