Posted: October 18th, 2008 - 4:21pm by Doug Powell

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is now reporting a total of 146 cases of which 24 are lab confirmed for E. coli O157:H7, linked to dining at a Harvey’s Restaurant on Algonquin Avenue in North Bay, Ontario.

Included are cases being investigated by 6 other health units in Ontario, and the people who are ill range from 1 to 90 years old. Some are in hospital receiving treatment, while most are recovering at home. 

“The Health Unit is screening staff at the restaurant located in North Bay.  This includes collecting samples and conducting interviews,” reports Dr. Catherine Whiting, Medical Officer of Health for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.  Health Unit staff continue to collect information and analyze data to ensure that all possible sources of E. coli O157:H7 are being investigated.  City of North Bay emergency crews also conducted extra testing on the municipal water last weekend.  Lab test results confirm that drinking water is not the source.