The bacteria E.coli was found again infecting romaine lettuce across eastern Canada.

Recently, Canadians from Quebec and Ontario were infected by a bacteria named E.coli (Escherichia coli). The amount of people infected goes up to 22 in Canada for a total of 43 including the United States and could still be increasing.

The infected lettuce was grown in the state of California in Monterrey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and Ventura.

“For now, the data acquired in the investigation of Québec and Ontario leads us to believe that there is a risk to contract an e.coli infection by consuming romaine lettuce.” Explains the PHAC (Public Health Agency of Canada).

The cause of this contamination is still unknown to the authorities: “We are still working on the investigation with our partners from public health in the provinces and territories” declares Dr. Howard Njoo vice head administrator of the PHAC

The unpleasant symptoms appear 10 days after the first contact with the bacteria and goes from nausea, light fevers and headaches to stomach cramps, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. The symptoms will fade away 5 to 10 days after the first signs of illness

The infection started mid October and seemed to end on the first days of November but could still be active as the cause of it is still unknown to the authorities.

The price for iceberg lettuce has exploded because of the infection to E.coli and goes from 20.85$ to 39.56 for the same carton of lettuce as of November 21.

To protect yourself from contamination, you shouldn’t eat unwashed romaine lettuce or buy lettuce grown in the state of California.

The range of age between the infected citizens goes from 5 years old to 93 years old, and 56 per cent is female.

Written by: Thomas Lapierre

Edited by: Frédérik Dignard, Jérémie Gautreau and Cédric Williamson