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E. Coli Outbreak at Icelandic Kindergarten Sickens Ten Children
3 weeks ago •source foodsafetynews.com
Outbreak
Reykjavík, Reykjavíkurborg, Iceland
In a recent foodborne outbreak, ten children from Mánagarð kindergarten in Reykjavík, Iceland, have been infected with a strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). The children affected are all attendees of the kindergarten located in the Vesturbær district, which is home to over 100 children. The symptoms experienced by the children have ranged from diarrhea to bloody diarrhea, with one child currently in serious condition in the intensive care unit. Four of the children were admitted to Barnaspítali Hringins, a children’s hospital, while another four were taken to the hospital’s emergency department for further evaluation.The results of bacterial cultures are still pending, with Landlaeknir (The Directorate of Health) stating that it may take a few more days for these results to be confirmed. An investigation team, including epidemiologists, doctors, the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST), and Matis, a government-owned research company, has been assembled to probe into the incident.
The exact source of the infections has yet to be determined, but officials suspect it to be food-related. The Reykjavík Public Health Authority is currently investigating the potential food source and advising the nursery on cleaning procedures. In the meantime, the kindergarten has been temporarily closed for further investigation.
In case you are experiencing E. coli symptoms such as watery diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting; stomach cramps; and mild fever, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.
Source: www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/10/e-coli-outbreak-sickens-kids-in-iceland/