46
Calgary — A surge in the number of cases of E. coli cases this summer in Calgary has prompted to health officials to call for help from a federal epidemiologist.
There have been 58 people diagnosed with E. coli since June, with 12 hospitalized and at least six have a serious kidney disease from the bacteria.
Dr. Richard Musto, acting medical officer of health for the Calgary Health Region, says he can't explain why officials haven't been able to nail down the infection to one source.
He says what is clear is that lots of people are eating lots of hamburgers from lots of sources.
E. coli is a bacteria found in uncooked or contaminated beef.
The health region also has recorded four cases of shigella, but those are directly linked to a recent recall of Los Angeles Salad Company's Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots sold in Costco stores.
The symptoms of shigella are diarrhea, cramps and nausea.
