The ongoing investigation into the gastrointestinal outbreak linked to the Saskatoon Farm saw several updates over the weekend.
On Friday, July 25, Alberta Health Services (AHS) announced that the outbreak is believed to involve E. coli and amoebiasis, based on testing conducted so far.
As of July 25, AHS has identified 235 symptomatic individuals and two hospitalizations connected to the outbreak, with one patient having since been discharged.
There have been 18 lab-confirmed cases of E. coli, three of which also tested positive for amoebiasis.
"Amoebiasis is caused by a parasite called Entamoeba histolytica," reads the AHS statement. "Often there are no symptoms associated with the parasite, but it can cause gastrointestinal illness and, more rarely, severe infection of the liver, lungs, heart, and brain."
AHS also stated that the type of E. coli identified in the outbreak is not typically found in drinking water and generally resolves without treatment.
Investigators believe the farm's water system was the source of the outbreak. The Saskatoon Farm's food facilities remain closed following a closure order issued on July 23, and the farm has since switched to an alternate water source that AHS has approved as safe.
The Saskatoon Farm shared several posts on its Facebook page over the weekend regarding the investigation.
"This has been an unprecedented and deeply difficult situation for us," reads a post from July 26. "Our hearts are with everyone who has been affected, and we are truly sorry for the impact this has had. We've always been committed to transparency with our community, and we sincerely thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work through this alongside Alberta Health Services."
Another post from later that day clarified that the farm's U-pick berries and vegetables are watered and rinsed using a separate water source from the one being investigated.
On July 27, the business announced that AHS has approved the presence of food trucks at the farm.