Investigation of Burlington E. coli outbreak expands

The Halton Region Health Department is investigating 28 persons with diarrhoeal illness that may be linked to an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak connected to Johnathan’s Family Restaurant, located at 4121 Fairview Street in Burlington. To date, three cases have had laboratory confirmation. The Health Department expects numbers to change as the investigation progresses.

The Health Department is asking that anyone who ate at Johnathan’s Family Restaurant of Burlington between October 10 and October 30, and has had symptoms of diarrhoea (with or without blood), severe abdominal cramps, nausea/vomiting, and/or fever, please seek medical attention right away and call Halton Region at 905-825-6000 (toll free 1-866-442-5866). After being exposed, it may take up to 10 days before symptoms appear.

“The focus of our investigation is very much on determining any links with other E. coli outbreaks and, hopefully, establishing the contaminated food or drink,” said Dr. Bob Nosal, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “Over the course of this week, laboratory testing results may help in this regard.”

The Health Department is continuing to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Niagara Region Public Health throughout this investigation.

The restaurant remains closed. It continues to cooperate fully with Health Department staff.

For more information about E. coli call Halton Region at 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866), TTY 905-827-9833, or visit our website at www.halton.ca. Daily updates will be posted to the website.

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