E. coli outbreak victims worried, angry

People sickened in an E. coli outbreak in northern Ontario are angry and worried about the long-term effects of the illness.

There are 141 confirmed and suspected cases of E. coli O157:H7 that have been linked to a Harvey's restaurant in North Bay, about 300 kilometres north of Toronto.

Health officials said Monday that they have ruled out 18 suspected cases as not being linked to the outbreak.

Two weeks ago, John Baker ate a hamburger at the restaurant, and after three days he had bloody diarrhea and major stomach cramps.

"It was like eating ... broken glass," said Baker, who was in the hospital for three days and lost 30 pounds. "You just want to go to sleep because you can't stand the pain anymore."

Baker said he feels tired now, but his biggest worryis whether the infection will cause problems such as colitis or kidney failure in the future.

Kelly Fortier, 21, said she is angry at having to put her life on hold since eating at the Harvey's two weeks ago. She was hospitalized for four days and health officials have placed her in isolation, which means she can't go to school or to work.

"I have other things to do, which I can't do," Fortier said. I was upset when I was in hospital, because I thought I was dying. But mainly I'm just angry."

The E. coli outbreak is the largest of its kind since seven people died and about 2,500 others fell ill after drinking contaminated water in Walkerton, Ont., in May 2000.

Last week, doctors following the health of Walkerton residents said people with confirmed severe gastro-enteritis had a 30 per cent increased risk of high blood pressure or kidney damage, but with treatment the condition stabilized.

Different situation: medical officer of health

While Walkerton's outbreak also involved the same E. coli strain, the situation there was different, said Dr. Catherine Whiting, medical officer of health for North Bay.

"The source was municipal drinking water, covering a much larger population and repeated exposures," Whiting said Monday. "I would say the scope of this outbreak is less."

As of Sunday, one person remained in hospital, and most people are recovering, Whitingsaid.

Health officials estimated it will be weeks before they have an answer on whatcaused the E. coli poisoning at the restaurant, such as a specific item on the menu.