Canada Home for the Aged Unknown 1982
In November 1982, 31 (8.8%) of 353 residents at a home for the aged in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, became ill with gastrointestinal symptoms. Cases occurred over an 18-day period. None of the usual enteric pathogens (Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, or Amoeba) were found in stool specimens obtained from the 31 affected residents. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was isolated from the stools of 17 patients, with the isolation rate higher for those with watery, bloody diarrhea (78%) than for those with loose stools only (38%). In studies of serial stool specimens, E. coli O157:H7 was usually isolated from the time diarrhea began until formed stools returned, up to 11 days after onset. Food prepared in the home's kitchen was a possible source of the outbreak. A single lot of hamburger had been served repeatedly between November 6 and 20 and was considered the most likely vehicle. Two samples of frozen meat from this lot were cultured, but E. coli O157:H7 was not recovered.
- Outbreak began:
- November 1982
- Affected Country:
- International
- Affected States/Territories:
- Not Applicable
- Organism(s):
-
- E. coli O157:H7
- Vehicle(s):
- Unknown
- Molecular Results Available:
- Unknown
- Test Results:
- None
- Location(s):
- Nursing Home
- Brand Name(s):
- Product Subject to Recall:
- Unknown
-
- Recall Links:
- None
- Total ill:
- 31
- Number ill by Case Definition Known:
- Unknown
- Number Laboratory Confirmed Cases:
- N/A
- Number Probable Cases:
- N/A
- Number Possible Cases:
- N/A
- Anyone Hospitalized:
- Yes
- Number Hospitalized:
- 4
- Any Deaths:
- Unknown
- Number Dead:
- Unknown
- Any References:
- Yes