Canadian health officials believe they’re nearing the end of an E. coli outbreak in North Bay, saying the number of new cases is declining.

Fewer people are reporting that they are ill, the incubation period is nearly over, and 18 suspected cases were ruled out yesterday after they were found not to be E. coli.

Doctors are now dealing with 141 cases, including 28 that are lab-confirmed. The others are awaiting testing, and all are related to a Harvey’s restaurant on Algonquin Avenue in North Bay, which remains closed.

None of the cases has been lethal.

A person can be stricken with E. coli for up to 10 days after coming in contact with the bacteria.

“I believe that the numbers of those becoming ill due to this outbreak are slowing, indicating the outbreak has peaked and is beginning to decline,” said Catherine Whiting, medical officer of health with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.

– by Gene J. Koprowski, Editorial Director

Posted: October 21st, 2008 under Diseases, E. Coli.
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Research by gastroenterologists shows that diet is most likely the major cause of gastric  problems. Gastroenterologists point out that common gastric problems reported by many patients include acid indigestion, change in bowel habit, abdominal problems, and pains.

Major gastric problems related to diet include:

* Ulcerative colitis which is a rare, chronic idiopathic inflammation of the colon which has debilitating socio-physiological effects to a patient.  

* Dyspepsia, a common condition characterized by indigestion.

* Celiac diseas, a digestive condition is triggered by gluten which is a protein found in foods like bread, pasta and other foods made from wheat.

* Stomach ulcers: often related to acidity and the bacteria hpylori.

* Duodenum ulcers: also related to acidity and the hpylori.

Gastric conditions like; Mouth ulcers, stomach upset, esophageal problems, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Other diseases of the digestive system include: tonsillitis, indigestion, constipation, peptic disorders.

An increase in these diseases of the digestive organs, researchers tell Infection Protection, has led to a keen interest in the functioning and disorders affecting the stomach, esophagus, intestines, and the associated organs including the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. This has led clinicians to research how to diagnose and treat disorders of the digestive system.

David Bernstein, of the Digestive Disease Institute, North Shore University, says that there are quite a number of methods and technologies so far which properly diagnose the problems of the digestive system. He states diet as one of the lead causes of the digestive system diseases.

Dr. Manudu of Tabibu Medical, a leading dietician in Nairobi, Kenya, states that foods and substances associated with gastric disorders include black pepper, chili powder, red or hot pepper, fatty fried foods like chips, caffeine, regular and decaffeinated coffee or tea, alcohol, cocoa, chocolate, cola beverages, citrus fruits and juices, tomato products, and peppermint. Feeding habits lead to constipation while over-eating results to bowel discomfort and colon ulcers. Food that is improperly cooked also leads to gastric problems.

Dr. Manudu emphasizes eating properly and following a consistent eating schedule as one way of warding of gastric problems like gastro-esophageal reflux, constipation, and diarrhea. Dr. Silverstein of Barnsley clinic that specializes in gastroenterology, endoscopy and gastric-esophageal reflux disorders says that, “though diet is mainly blamed for many gastrointestinal illnesses, including food poisoning, certain dangerous bacteria like e-coli and salmonella play key roles in haemolytic uraemic syndrome, a chronic disease that leads to kidney failure.

Preventive measures prescribed by gastroenterologists include:

* Avoiding foods with gluten.

* Eating foods rich in fiber, Vitamin B and zinc at least once in a day.

* Avoid gastric juice stimulants like caffeine to minimize acidity in the stomach. Dr Silverstein states that “A cup of tea or coffee is a healthy, but it should not be taken so often.

* Drink water regularly. Take at-least twelve glasses of water every day.

Following the proper dietary advice of a physician and following a healthy meal and eating program every day will ensure gastro-intestinal health.

– by David James, Nairobi, Kenya Correspondent

An extra trip to the toilet is likely if you eat poor, unsanitary food.

Posted: August 11th, 2008 under Diseases, E. Coli, Salmonella.
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A Boy Scout reservation in Virginia has been closed after more than a dozen scouts there were sickened by the deadly       E. coli bacteria, an official said. E. coli is a bacterium that infects humans through tainted food, handling animals or swimming in contaminated water. The disease can cause severe food poisoning in people but not everyone exposed to it becomes ill, said Seth Levine, a Virginia state epidemiologist. But, individuals who do have the affliction usually undergo stomach cramps, watery bloody diarrhea, fever, and chills. The infection can also harm organs like kidneys.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, E. coli infects an estimated 73,000 people and kills 61 a year in the U.S. 

According to officials of the National Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the local camp was closed after discovering that more scouts presented with symptoms of the infection. Overall, 16 Boy Scouts and an adult leader are victims of the infection, with two of the boys being in serious condition.

The Virginia Department of Public Health investigated the site, but, according to the scouts,  “the source of the bacteria remains unconfirmed.”

As part of the ongoing infection control plan, the council announced it would get in touch with scouts scheduled for camp this week and the ones who were there last week. If the boys show any symptoms of the infection, the scouting organization recommends that they immediately seek medical care.

– by Gene J. Koprowski, Editorial Director

Posted: August 4th, 2008 under Anti-Bacterial Resources, Diseases, E. Coli, Hand Hygiene.
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