Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Alberta health inspectors are investigating three cases of E. coli they say are linked to the water park facilities at Prairie Winds Park in northeast Calgary.
The city-run water park features a wading pool and a spray park. The city closed it Aug. 7, with the goal of reopening it in one week after further testing and cleaning is done.
In a public alert issued Friday, the province said people who visited the water park between July 25 and Aug. 4 may have been exposed to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC.)
STEC can cause diarrhea that may be bloody, as well as stomach cramps, and can lead to dehydration.
In some cases, it can require hospitalization. It is the same strain of E. coli that sickened hundreds of Calgary children in a 2023 outbreak linked to several daycare centres.
The bacteria spreads when someone comes into contact with infected feces and then touches their mouth.
Pediatric emergency medicine specialist Dr. Mohamed Eltorki says STEC is a common strain of E. coli, but it is often a foodborne illness.
“It is rare to get an outbreak from a water park, because we use chlorinated water in most water parks, and chlorine is a first barrier for killing the bacteria,” said Eltorki.
Anyone with symptoms is urged to call 811 or see a doctor. They should also limit close contact with people at a higher risk of severe illness, like young children, seniors or those who are immunocompromised, according to the public alert.
Frequent hand washing is also recommended to prevent spread. People with diarrhea are asked not to enter any water facility for at least two weeks after their symptoms end.