BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has issued an alert about Little Qualicum Cheeseworks’ Qualicum Spice cheese. The company is located in Parksville on Vancouver Island.
The public is advised to discard or return to the point of purchase any Qualicum Spice cheese. According to a statement from BCCDC issued on Tuesday, November 13, five people in the province have been affected by an E. coli outbreak between August and October.
Qualicum Spice cheese samples were tested and found to be contaminated with E. coli. The investigation is ongoing to determine the source and extent of contamination.
Symptoms of E. coli can be wide-ranging, according to the statement. Some people may develop symptoms, others can become ill and be hospitalized.
The following symptoms can appear within one to 10 days after infection: severe stomach cramps; diarrhea or bloody diarrhea; vomiting; headache; and little or no fever.
Anyone who has eaten this product but has no symptoms does not need to do anything. If someone becomes ill after consuming Qualicum Spice cheese they are advised to practice good handwashing with warm water and soap to prevent the spread of illness and drink lots of clear fluids to stay hydrated.
Anyone who has bloody diarrhea or is concerned about their symptoms should see a health-care provider or call HealthLinkBC at 811.
Antibiotics and anti-diarrhea medications should not be used to treat this infection unless prescribed by a health-care provider.
