AMHERST – Cumberland County has seen its first case of E.coli illness.
An individual from the Amherst area has been confirmed as one of three new cases identified by the provincial Health and Wellness Department on Monday. The other two cases are in the Capital District in Halifax.
It’s unknown if the individual was diagnosed at a physician’s office or at a local hospital.
This brings the total number of cases for the outbreak to 10 in Nova Scotia.
Five cases are in Halifax, two in the Guysborough-Antigonish area and one each in Cumberland, Colchester-East Hants and Pictou.
All patients have been seen by health-care professionals and are either recovering or have recovered.
“Nova Scotians should not be alarmed. We know that the incubation period of E.coli 0157 is one to 10 days, so it is not uncommon to see additional cases arise, as more people who may exhibit symptoms are tested,” the province’s chief public health officer Dr. Robert Strang said Monday. “We are working with other departments and agencies to determine the source as we continue our investigation.”
Symptoms of E.coli 0157 may resemble gastro-intestinal illness and can include abdominal cramps, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Symptoms and severity may vary.
People experiencing symptoms should call 811 to speak with a nurse, or contact a health-care professional.
New Brunswick has also reported cases of E.coli 0157. Nova Scotia is working with that province and the Public Health Agency of Canada to determine if there are any links or common sources of contamination.
