At least 21 people have now fallen ill with E. coli O157:H7 after eating raw cheese products made by Gort’s Gouda Cheese Farm in Salmon Arm, B.C. One elderly victim died in August, while others developed symptoms between late July and September. The number ill by province is as follows: Alberta (9 illnesses), British Columbia (9), Manitoba (1), Quebec (1), Saskatchewan (1). Symptoms of E. coli infection include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps lasting five to ten days. Severe infections can result in the patient developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening kidney disease. On Sept. 17, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency initiated a recall of 15 products sold online, at Gort’s farm, and in retail stores around B.C. and Alberta between May 27 and Sept. 14.
