The Investigation Takes a New Turn
By May 20th, the outbreak is spreading rapidly through the community. The number of ill residents overwhelms local doctors and hospital emergency rooms.
The lab reports back with a preliminary identification of the pathogen causing the illness - a strain of E. coli known as O157:H7. The method of transmission is still unknown but, based on its conversation with the manager of the water system, the Health Unit assures worried callers that the problem does not lie with the town's drinking water.
AN ANONYMOUS TIP!
Something surprising happens on the afternoon of May 20; the province of Ontario's environmental-emergency call line receives an anonymous call. The caller claims that samples from Walkerton's municipal water supply have failed recent lab tests.
Suddenly, the water supply is suspect again.
How would you follow up on this tip?
