Walkerton Ecoli Flashcards
When did the Walkerton e. coli outbreak occur?
May 2000
Where did the Walkerton e. coli outbreak take place?
Walkerton, Ontario, Canada
What caused the Walkerton e. coli outbreak?
Contaminated water supply
How many people were affected by the Walkerton e. coli outbreak?
Over 2,300
What strain of e. coli was responsible for the Walkerton outbreak?
O157:H7
What were the symptoms experienced by those infected with e. coli during the Walkerton outbreak?
Severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting
What was the main source of contamination in the Walkerton water supply?
Manure from nearby farms
How did the e. coli bacteria enter the water supply in Walkerton?
Through a well that was not properly sealed
What was the role of heavy rainfall in the Walkerton e. coli outbreak?
Heavy rainfall washed manure into the water supply
What was the impact of the Walkerton e. coli outbreak on the community?
Several deaths and long-term health effects on survivors
How did the Walkerton e. coli outbreak lead to changes in water management regulations in Ontario?
New legislation and stricter testing requirements were implemented
What was the response of the Ontario government to the Walkerton e. coli outbreak?
A public inquiry was launched to investigate the causes and consequences
What was the role of the Walkerton Public Utilities Commission in the e. coli outbreak?
Negligence in water treatment and monitoring
How did the Walkerton e. coli outbreak impact public trust in the safety of drinking water?
Significantly decreased trust and increased awareness of water quality issues
What lessons were learned from the Walkerton e. coli outbreak?
Importance of proper water management, monitoring, and communication
What measures were taken to prevent future e. coli outbreaks in Walkerton?
Improved water treatment processes and infrastructure upgrades
What were the long-term health effects experienced by some survivors of the Walkerton outbreak?
Kidney damage, neurological disorders, and other chronic conditions
How did the Walkerton e. coli outbreak impact the economy of the town?
Loss of tourism and businesses due to negative publicity
What role did the media play in reporting on the Walkerton e. coli outbreak?
Provided extensive coverage and raised awareness of water safety issues
What was the duration of the Walkerton e. coli outbreak before it was fully contained?
Several weeks
What was the first indication that there was a problem with the water supply in Walkerton?
Increased reports of gastrointestinal illnesses
What was the response of the Canadian government to the Walkerton e. coli outbreak?
Provided financial aid for cleanup and recovery efforts
What were the key findings of the public inquiry into the Walkerton e. coli outbreak?
Failures in water management, lack of oversight, and inadequate regulations
What role did the local health department play in responding to the Walkerton e. coli outbreak?
Provided medical care, investigated cases, and advised on prevention measures
