OU Zone

[originunknown]

Deadly strep outbreak in northern Ont. may spread as winter approaches: expert

Thu Oct 9, 1:29 PM

By The Canadian Press

TORONTO - A prominent microbiologist says an outbreak of streptococcal infections that has killed 10 people in northern Ontario could spread across the province and even hit populations further east.

Dr. Donald Low, chief microbiologist at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital, says he wouldn't be surprised if the infection migrated by the end of October or November.

On Wednesday, Thunder Bay, Ont.'s health unit announced an outbreak there which has seen 10 die and 75 others infected in the past year.

About half of the Group A streptococcal cases in the region belong to a strain that was unknown in the province until summer 2007.

Low says that strain, called M59, spiked in Alberta and British Columbia in spring 2007 and was likely carried east.

The M59 strain can cause severe illness and death.

Health officials in Thunder Bay say the overall risk to the public from the outbreak is low.

They say "marginalized people have been affected more than most" and add efforts are being directed toward street outreach programs.

Copyright © 2008 Canadian Press