Expansion of Illness Timeframe at Saskatoon Farm Restaurant by AHS
In the heart of Saskatoon, Alberta, an ongoing outbreak of Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) and the parasite Entamoeba histolytica has been linked to the Saskatoon Farm restaurant, prompting Alberta Health Services (AHS) to issue a public health advisory.
From July 1 to July 18, 2025, anyone who dined at the Saskatoon Farm is urged to be vigilant for symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Those who develop such symptoms should immediately contact Health Link at 811 for assessment and testing.
In response to the outbreak, AHS encourages even those who are asymptomatic to call Health Link starting July 30 for precautionary screening for amoebiasis, the illness caused by Entamoeba histolytica. This is due to the potential for a delayed onset of symptoms and the risk of severe infection if left untreated.
The restaurant's water system, believed to be the source of the outbreak, has been disabled and replaced with a safe water source following testing and inspections. The food facility remains closed under a public health order until it is deemed safe to reopen.
AHS has received an increased number of calls to 811 from Albertans reporting symptoms related to the outbreak. As of July 28, there are 26 probable cases of E. coli linked to Saskatoon Farm, and 9 cases of Entamoeba histolytica have been identified.
Three people have been hospitalized due to the incident, but two of them have since been discharged. However, no specific connection has been made between norovirus or rotavirus cases and the Saskatoon Farm investigation. Only laboratory presumptive case numbers will be released by AHS.
Officials will conduct additional testing with individuals who ate at the restaurant within the given timeframe but did not become ill to further the investigation. It is important to note that the time frame for potential exposure to E. coli, norovirus, and rotavirus at the Saskatoon Farm's restaurant remains from July 1 to 18.
Anyone who dined at the Saskatoon Farm's restaurant between July 1 and 18 could be at risk for E. coli, norovirus, or rotavirus infection. AHS encourages everyone to follow any additional instructions from public health or medical officers and to stay informed about the ongoing investigation.
- The general public should stay informed about the ongoing investigation related to E. coli, Entamoeba histolytica, and potential norovirus or rotavirus infections associated with the Saskatoon Farm restaurant in Saskatoon, Alberta.
- AHS advises those who dined at the Saskatoon Farm between July 1 and 18 to be on high alert for symptoms related to health-and-wellness, including gastrointestinal illness symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
- In light of the outbreak at the Saskatoon Farm restaurant, it is essential for individuals to prioritize their health and seek medical advice if experiencing any symptoms. This includes contacting Health Link at 811 for assessment and testing, even if feeling asymptomatic.
