E. coli: Canada
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Public Health Agency of Canada are currently investigating possible linkages between E. coli cases that occurred earlier this summer in Canada. The investigation is examining 45 cases of E. coli O157:H7 that were found in New Brunswick, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Ontario and British Columbia. These cases were previously reported from July to September, 2007. As a result of these cases, eleven people were hospitalized and one elderly individual died. Ongoing testing has determined that most of the cases share a unique pattern of E. coli and the cause of the illnesses has been mostly associated with ground beef. This new E. coli pattern has also been found in the United States and we are working closely with our counterparts at the United States Department of Agriculture to share information. The same unique E. coli pattern that was found in the majority of cases this summer has been found through genetic testing of samples of beef taken from a meat facility in Alberta. This facility is currently not operating. The company has contacted its primary distributors to return any affected product. All remaining product is under detention. CFIA is actively investigating this and other potential sources to determine if there is a link between this facility and the cases under investigation. At this time, CFIA is working to ensure that there is no contaminated beef from the facility in Alberta available to consumers. If the investigation reveals that product is still on the market, a public recall will be issued.
Source: Canadian Food Inspection Agency, October 26, 2007

Advisory Committee Statement - Housing Conditions that Serve as Risk Factors for Tuberculosis (TB) Infection and Disease: Canada
Housing conditions are used as socio-economic indicators of health and well-being. Poor housing quality and overcrowding are associated with poverty, specific ethnic groups and increased susceptibility to disease. Crowding, poor air quality within homes as a result of inadequate ventilation, and the presence of mold and smoke contribute to poor respiratory health in general and have been implicated in the spread and/or outcome of TB. According to the 2001 Canadian Census, First Nations, Inuit and recent immigrants (foreign-born) have a disproportionately higher share of housing needs than other Canadians. They have the highest risk of living in houses that are overcrowded and in disrepair, and/or they live in houses that cost more than 30% of their before-tax household income. While the following statement concentrates on the implications for TB of inadequate housing in First Nations communities, the conclusions apply equally well to the Métis, Inuit and immigrant Canadians with inadequate housing. To statement is available online at the following addresss:
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/07vol33/acs-09/index_e.html.
Source: Canada Communicable Disease Report, Volume 33, ACS-9, 1 October 2007

Genotyping of Measles and Rubella Virus Strains: Poland
The elimination of measles and rubella and the prevention of congenital rubella in the European Region are objectives the World Health Organization has set to achieve by the year 2010. These plans include the improvement of surveillance with laboratory confirmation of suspected measles and rubella cases. For this purpose, in 2000 the WHO established the Global Measles/Rubella Laboratory Network (GM/RLN). In addition, the genetic characterisation of the circulating virus strains is promoted by the GM/RLN. This is an important component of measles and rubella surveillance, necessary for identifying the geographical origin and tracing the pathways of virus transmission. For the first time, the characterisation of measles virus (MeV) strains circulating in Poland in 2006 was performed at the Robert Koch-Institute in Berlin. The study has been continued and this paper presents the results of the molecular characterisation of MeV strains circulating in Poland from January to May 2007. In addition, it includes the results of genotyping of rubella virus (RUBV).
Source: Eurosurveillance Weekly, Volume 12, Issue 10, October 25, 2007

The details given are for information only and may be very provisional. Where incidents are considered of national importance and are ongoing, the initial report will be updated as new information becomes available.