There has been a recent increase in unrelated cases of E. coli in Newfoundland and Labrador over the past three months. Public Health officials and the regional health authorities are working with Digital Government and Service NL to investigate.

E. coli is spread primarily through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Person-to-person transmission can also occur. Careful food preparation techniques and handwashing are important in the prevention of E. coli.

Anyone with severe or bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain should seek medical attention.

Food handlers, health care workers, daycare workers and children attending daycares with these symptoms should remain at home until the symptoms are resolved and they are cleared by a health care professional.