BC, Canada: Island Health issues warning after confirmed cases of vibrio cholerae on Vancouver Island

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.cheknews.ca/island-heal...f-vibrio-cholerae-on-vancouver-island-432292/

Island Health issues warning after confirmed cases of vibrio cholerae on Vancouver Island
Posted By: Editoron: March 23, 2018In: News, Top Stories

Officials are warning people not to consume herring eggs found on kelp, seaweed or other surfaces from the French Creek to Qualicum Bay area after cases of cholera were confirmed on Vancouver Island.

According to Island Health, there are ?less than a handful? of confirmed cases of vibrio cholerae infection that are associated with eating herring eggs. The bacteria can be found in the aquatic environment and can cause intestinal illness after eating contaminated foods.

Symptoms can include mild to severe nausea, vomiting and very severe, watery diarrhea. Island Health said anyone who has eaten herring eggs in the area and has fallen ill should drink small amounts of fluid frequently to keep hydrated. They should also see a doctor and let the physician know if they have eaten raw or lightly-cooked eggs within five days of onset of illness or caring for someone who became ill after eating herring eggs...

 

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/four-cholera-cases-linked-to-herring-eggs-1.23212101

Four cholera cases linked to herring eggs
Times Colonist
March 23, 2018 06:53 PM

The First Nations Health Authority and Island Health are warning people to exercise caution after at least four cases of cholera were linked to people eating herring eggs gathered in Island waters.

The Vibrio cholerae bacteria can cause intestinal illness including mild to severe nausea, vomiting and severe watery diarrhea...

 

[Pathfinder]

[FONT=&quot]UPDATE: Illness Associated With Herring Eggs - Vancouver Island[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Mar 23, 2018
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[/FONT] [TABLE="class: ms-rteTable-default, cellspacing: 0"]
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[TD="class: ms-rteTableEvenCol-default"][FONT=&quot]​March 23 Update: To date, only herring eggs harve​sted in the French Creek to Qualicum Bay area have been associated with three confirmed cases of Vibrio cholerae infection. Other people have become ill, and test results are pending. These cases are only associated with herring eggs laid in the marine environment, and not herring roe which is harvested directly from the fish. Potentially contaminated herring eggs laid in the marine environment are likely limited to this area at this time.

PLEASE NOTE: As of 18:00 March 23, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has issued an emergency closure on Herring Egg Harvest in Mid-Vancouver ​Island. For more information on this closure please contact: Brenda Spence 250-616-0702 Fisheries and Oceans Canada Operations Center and visit: http://notices.df​o-mpo.gc.ca/fn​s-sap/index-eng.cfm?pg=view_notice&DOC_ID=206365&ID=all[/FONT][/TD]
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[FONT=&quot] First Nations Health and Fisheries Leads,​​

The First Nations Health Authority and Island Health are warning the public following confirmed cases of Vibrio cholerae infection associated with eating herring eggs. The bacteria can be found in the aquatic environment and can cause intestinal illness after eating contaminated foods. Illness may include mild to severe nausea, vomiting, and very severe watery diarrhea. Some people don’t become ill and don’t know they have been infected. Health authorities are asking you to take the following precautions and actions:[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]⦁ Do not consume herring eggs harvested from French Creek to Qualicum Bay area from kelp, seaweed or other surfaces.

⦁ If you are ill, ensure you are drinking small amounts of fluid frequently to keep hydrated. Visit your physician or health center to ensure treatment and confirmation of the cause of illness. Let your health care provider know if you have eaten raw or lightly-cooked herring eggs within 5 days of onset of illness or caring for someone who became ill after eating herring eggs.

⦁ The bacteria can be passed from person to person, even if you don’t have symptoms. Always wash your hands well after going to the bathroom or caring​ for someone who has been ill.

⦁ If you have stored herring eggs, please call First Nations Health Authority Environmental Public Health Services at 250-924-6125. Samples are being requested for testing (keep cold and in original packaging).

⦁ Discard any extra stored herring eggs to avoid further illness. Freezing does not kill the bacteria.

⦁ When handling herring eggs, practice proper handwashing and sanitize dishes and equipment to avoid cross contamination.
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⦁ Ensure other community members who may have received herring eggs are aware of these precautions and actions. If they are ill, we request that they be in contact with their physician or Health Center.

⦁ A sanitary shellfish closure exists for bivalves in the French Creek/Qualicum Bay area. Harvesters are reminded to check area closures prior to harvesting bivalves to prevent illness.[/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot] The investigation into the Vibrio cholerae infection cases is ongoing and in collaboration with BC Center for Disease Control and First Nations communities. This includes the testing of marine water samples, leftover food samples, clinical samples and assessing the handling and distribution of the harvested product.

This is a unique situation and as more information becomes available it will be shared. Implications on future harvesting is unclear at this time. Any future advice or recommendations will be made in partnership with First Nations communities.

Learn more about safe fish and shellfish at www.bccdc.ca/health-info/food-your-health/fish-shellfish and Vibrio cholerae infection at www.cdc.gov/cholera/index.html.

Find more information on Food Safety for First Nations communities at: www.fnha.ca/wellness/wellness-for-first-nations/environmental-health-and-safety/food-safety. Advice on symptoms can also be obtained by calling BC HealthLink at 811.



Sincerely,[/FONT]
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[TD="class: ms-rteTableEvenCol-0"][FONT=&quot]​ First Nations Health Autho​​rity
Dr. Helena Swinkels[/FONT][/TD]
[TD="class: ms-rteTableOddCol-0"][FONT=&quot]​ Island Health
Dr. Shannon Waters[/FONT][/TD]
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[FONT=&quot] Download this notice in PDF format here (PDF 103 KB)



http://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-ev...ncouver-island[/FONT]