Salmonella could forfeit student’s year

As the number of salmonella cases linked to a university eatery grows, one father is seeking legal advice over the effect of the illness on his daughter.

“She is no shape to go back. It knocked her for a loop,” said the Toronto father, who asked not to be identified.

His daughter, an English major, has missed nine days of school, and counting, plus three mid-terms. “She is in danger of losing her term.”

The man said he isn’t sure what he can do but is trying to find a lawyer.

His daughter is part of a growing number of cases linked to the Pita Pit at the University Community Centre (UCC).

As of yesterday, 20 people had salmonella poisoning confirmed by laboratory tests, up from 15 earlier this week, the Middlesex-London Health Unit said.

There were also 29 unconfirmed cases in which people displayed the illness, up from 18 earlier this week.

All 49 ate at the UCC’s Pita Pit between Oct. 31 and Nov. 2, the health unit said.

“We are still looking” for the cause, said health unit spokesperson Dan Flaherty.

Health inspectors have since checked out the restaurant and determined it’s safe.

That’s small comfort to the Toronto man.

His daughter had been recently diagnosed with having a “sensitive stomach,”

She ate at the Pita Pit Nov. 2 and started feeling sick the next day, her father said.

She went to University Hospital on Sunday. She received several tests, but none that could determine salmonella, he said.

By Monday, her stomach pains were so serious, he rushed to London to get her.

Their family doctor in Toronto ordered stool tests that showed the salmonella, since confirmed by the health unit, he said.

His daughter is still in pain and having trouble eating, he said.

“She is in extreme discomfort.”

Meanwhile, at the UCC yesterday, many students were unaware the Pita Pit was under the health unit microscope.

“I didn’t hear anything,” said Breat Ghummar, a medical sciences student, munching away on sandwich from the eatery.

“I don’t eat here very often.

The lineup at the Pita Pit yesterday was shorter than usual, said some students.

“That’s why I didn’t get one,” said a third-year sciences student, who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s a little scary.”

SALMONELLA

- A bacteria that can cause gastro-intestinal illness, it’s found in the intestines of animals and infected people. Infection usually occurs from ingesting food or water contaminated by the bacteria.

- Can be spread to other foods when the same cutting surface or utensils are used after preparing raw poultry.

- Poisoning symptoms –fever, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting — can take 72 hours to surface and last seven days.

- The infected should see a doctor and shouldn’t prepare food or work with children.

Source: London Free Press