Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - Media Section - News Release- Fourth Case Of E.Coli Linked To Unpasteurized Milk

Public Information

Health Care Providers

News Media

Text Only Version

News Release

Fourth Case Of E.Coli Linked To Unpasteurized Milk

Chief Medical Officer of Health Repeats Warning About Drinking Unpasteurized Milk

April 14

TORONTO – Dr. Sheela Basrur, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, today reported a fourth case of E. coli O157 in the province that may be linked to the consumption of unpasteurized milk, with a fifth case under investigation. Three cases were reported in Barrie earlier this week.

The fourth case involves a seven-year-old child from Toronto. The child was treated in hospital and is now recovering at home. Toronto Public Health is also investigating the sibling of the seven year-old for possible E. coli infection.

All individuals under investigation drank unpasteurized milk distributed in Barrie. It is illegal to sell, offer to sell, deliver or distribute unpasteurized milk. Milk sold in grocery stores is pasteurized.

"Drinking unpasteurized milk is dangerous for everyone. Parents need to be particularly aware that giving this milk to children can result in very serious illness and can lead to death," Dr. Basrur said."Anyone with nausea, fever, vomiting or diarrhea who consumed unpasteurized milk should contact their doctor immediately."

Dr. Basrur is also urging members of the public to report sales of unpasteurized milk to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food's complaint line at 1-888-466-2372 ext. 64391. Barrie area residents can call Health Connection (Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit) at 705-721-7520.

Disease-causing bacteria associated with unpasteurized milk include E. coli O157 as well as salmonella and campylobacter. Symptoms of E. coli O157 include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea (sometimes bloody).

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care continues to investigate the situation in co-operation with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the local public health units in Simcoe Muskoka and Toronto.

For further information :

Members of the media :

Dan Strasbourg, (416) 314-6197
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Members of the general public : (416) 327-4327, or (800) 268-1154

Backgrounder
Risks Associated With Unpasteurized Milk
2 pages | 24k | PDF format

To view PDF format files, you need to have Adobe Acrobat® Reader installed on your computer.
You can download this free software from the Adobe Web site.



Media Line Toll-free : 1-888-414-4774 In Toronto : 416-314-6197	If you are a reporter with a question for a story, or with comments about how this News Media section could serve you better, send us an email at : media@moh.gov.on.ca.

| return to news releases menu |