Hamlet officials in Igloolik, Nunavut, are still unclear as to the source of an E. coli outbreak that caused a number of residents to come down with severe diarrhea and vomiting.

However, it did not originate in the hamlet’s drinking water.

“From the testing which was done by our hamlet staff, it was confirmed it’s not coming from the drinking water,” said Celestino Uyarak, Igloolik’s assistant senior administrative officer.

One Igloolik resident is in Ottawa being treated for the illness, while several others have gone to the local health centre.

Nunavut’s health department has been investigating the source of the bacteria since mid-December. Over the holiday, health officials were on hand to observe how community feasts are conducted.

Uyarak said it is unclear when the source will be determined, but added that no new cases have been reported following the initial outbreak.