Health authorities are investigating five cases of E. coli O157:H7 in New Brunswick, Canada. All five victims were seen in hospital emergency rooms, announced the New Brunswick Department of Health Thursday. All but one were released, while one was admitted to receive treatment. Two cases were reported in the Saint John region of the province, and the remaining three occurred in Fredericton, reported NBDH. “At this time, we do not know if the cases have a common source,” said Dr. Eilish Cleary, Chief Medical Officer of Health in a statement Thursday. “A number of sources are being investigated and we are still gathering information. It is very important that New Brunswickers wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and take food safety precautions.” E. coli is passed from person to person via the fecal oral route. Symptoms of an E. coli infection generally appear 3-4 days after exposure, and include abdominal cramping, vomiting and diarrhea that can turn bloody in more severe cases. Those experiencing symptoms of E. coli should see their healthcare provider, advises the health department in its press release. New Brunswick is a Canadian province located in the southeastern region of Canada, bordering the U.S. state of Maine on its east side. In late April of 2012, at least 18 people in the New Brunwick region fell ill from E. coli O157:H7 infections that were eventually linked to romaine lettuce that eventually turned out to have sickened people in California as well. Then in July, four people came down with E. coli O157:H7 infections in Fredericton in a separate outbreak. Two victims, both teenagers, were hospitalized as a result of their illnesses.