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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday November 5, 2008 - 9 Burlington E. coli probe expands By Dennis Smith METROLAND MEDIA WEST GROUP The investigation of E. coli at a Burlington restaurant continues to expand as more suspected cases are reported. Forty-three cases were being probed by the Halton Health Department as of Tuesday, with three cases of E. coli 0157 confirmed. The cases involve Johnathan's Family Restaurant on Fairview Street, which remains closed. "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's medical officer of health. "Over the course of this week, laboratory testing results may help in this regard." A suspected cause for the illness -- symptoms of which include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, severe stomach cramps or in rare cases, fever -- has not yet been determined. "We're still interviewing people and they're going through extensive questionnaires," said Monir Taha, Halton's associate medical officer of health. "Some callers are just worried and haven't gotten sick. We have to sort out if their illness meets the case definition (of E. coli). This illness relates to the digestive system." Taha said Romaine lettuce was tested because that type of food was linked to a recent E. coli outbreak in Windsor. But he doesn't believe the samples will yield much as they were taken after the fact. It could take a number of days before any particular food can be considered more suspicious than another, he said. Sometimes the exact cause of an E. coli outbreak cannot be determined, said Taha. "We hope to get to the bottom of it with an extensive investigation," he said. An E. coli case sample from the Burlington restaurant matched the analysis from cases in Niagara Region. "That makes us look very hard for any links to see if the Burlington restaurant is sharing the same food suppliers, but so far we haven't found anything," said Taha. He said owners of Johnathan's Family Restaurant have been cooperating fully with the investigation and are anxious to reopen. "It's hard on the business and employees and we want to make sure they open and do so safely," said Taha. One of the owners, Greg Tasoulis, had said earlier that the restaurant closed voluntarily and has never had a health inspection problem before. Anyone who has eaten at Johnathan's Family Restaurant between Oct. 13-30 and who has had any E. coli symptoms, should call their doctor and Halton Region at 1- 866-442-5866 or visit www.halton.ca. It may take up to 10 days for E. coli symptoms to appear. The Halton Health Department is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Niagara Region Public Health during its investigation. Chisholm High Schools Personalized Education rds ART Boaass SM ry cl in eve Fireplace looking a little tired? g Call the experts. "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m b e r s . c a 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905-337-2066 Chisholm Academy is a traditional, full-time secondary program for students with learning difficulties. Credits are offered at University and College levels and there are 12 students per class. Students are provided with the support and encouragement they need to successfully complete high school and to develop a positive self-image. Chisholm Academy believes that all students can be successful when a realistic, Individual Education Plan is developed and when the implementation of the plan includes individualized academic and personal accommodations and strategies. Chisholm Collegiate offers a customized, flexible and intensive learning experience for gifted, average or struggling students. Students may be registered full-time or on a part-time basis. The Collegiate offers credits at University and College levels, and students are taught individually or in groups of three or less. 1484 Cornwall Road | 905.844.3240 www.chisholmcentre.com