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E. coli Outbreak at Slayton Minnesota Day Care Highlights Care Issues

By Pritzker | Ruohonen

Day cares are frequent sources of E. coli outbreaks.  An E. coli outbreak at the Wonder World Preschool in Slayton, Minnesota has led to 3 confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7. 13 other children have shown symptoms of an infection and are being tested.  One child has been hospitalized and is showing signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication of E. coli O157:H7 infections that is the leading cause of acute kidney failure in children.  Read our press release regarding this outbreak entitled, "Preschools and Day Care Centers Can Become Hot Zones for E. coli."

The parents of sickened children should contact an E. coli lawyer immediately.  Compensation in an E. coli lawsuit could include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and emotional distress. 

Preschools are responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary facility.  E. coli is spread through food, water, animal contact or person-to-person contact.  Although there are a number of different ways it can spread, the underlying source is feces.  If a worker changes a diaper or wipes a bottom and then does not wash his or her hands adequately, E. coli bacterium could be transfered from the worker's hands to the mouth of a little child.  Only a very small amount (100-200 bacterium) of E. coli O157:H7 is needed to cause disease.  

It is very important that children with symptoms of an E. coli O157:H7 infection are not taken to a day care facility. Symptoms of an E. coli O157:H7 infection are:

• Watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Severe abdominal pain
• Low-grade fever (10-20% of cases)
• Visibly bloody diarrhea
  

Children are considered contagious until TWO stool samples are taken that are free of E. coli O157:H7.  A recent study found that four out of five children who have a negative stool sample test positive in a subsequent test.

The best way for day care workers, parents, and children to prevent the spread of E. coli O157:H7 is to wash their hands.  Bacteria can easily hide under a fingernail or anywhere on the hand that was not thoroughly washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  It is especially important that day care workers wash their hands after using the restroom, changing a diaper, preparing food, or feeding a child.    

Full post as published by Food Poisoning Law Blog on June 09, 2008 (boomark / email).