EDMONTON – Alberta Health Services is investigating four recent cases of E. coli in Edmonton and one in Calgary — a young girl suffering E. coli-related kidney failure.

The young Calgarian has been identified as Sarah Demoskoff, 4.

Demoskoff's family has said they will not release further information beyond the Thursday statement through AHS.

Health officials are trying to determine if Demoskoff's case or any of the cases in Edmonton are related to a massive beef recall from Edmonton food processor XL Foods.

"These investigations are ongoing and as such, the source has not been confirmed," AHS spokesman Kerry Williamson said.

Williamson said the ages and conditions of patients are private.

The province has recorded 20 E. coli case so far this year.

Illnesses caused by E. coli trigger a mandatory notification to government.

E. coli can cause abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, seizures, strokes, and kidney damage in serious cases.

For a full list of recalled products visit inspection.gc.ca.

catherine.griwkowsky@sunmedia.ca
Twitter: @SunGriwkowskyC