Western working with health unit to solve salmonella outbreak

Unlike the majority of previously reported cases these new cases did not report eating at the Pita Pit, however did consume food prepared in the Centre Spot at The University Community Centre. A total of 42 cases of salmonella have been confirmed now, 29 which can be associated with the Pita Pit; 12 who bought food prepared at Centre Spot but not from the Pita Pit and; one case, who can not be reached.

Western is cooperating fully with the Middlesex-London Health Unit to isolate the cause of this outbreak. The food production area at Centre Spot has been thoroughly inspected several times and in addition, laboratory test results received up to Friday, November 16th have shown no evidence of salmonella in the food and environmental samples collected at the Pita Pit. Available tests of food service workers for salmonella have also come back negative.

The University has closed Centre Spot for the weekend for a thorough disinfecting and all prepared food at Centre Spot has been discarded. Arrangements have been made to bring in externally prepared food throughout the weekend for those inconvenienced by the temporary closure of Centre Spot. 

 

The University is working with those who are ill to accommodate their academic and other needs and encourages individuals who display symptoms of salmonella to contact their health care provider and the Middlesex-London Health Unit at 519-663-5317, ext. 2330; or 519-675-7523 on weekends and after hours.

If you have health concerns, please contact Student Health Services, University Community Centre, Room UCC11, 519-661-3030, ext. 83030. For academic queries, students are asked to contact their faculty or departmental Academic Counselor.