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E. coli Outbreaks in Minnesota Often Associated with Daycare Centers: Recent Wonder World Preschool E. coli Outbreak Sickens 8 Children

By Pritzker | Ruohonen

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, eight children who attend Wonder World Preschool have lab-confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7.  At least one of the children has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a complication of an E. coli infection that can lead to kidney failure and death. 

Young children are a high-risk group for developing serious complications from E. coli infections.  Most of the people who develop HUS in Minnesota and throughout the United States are children under 5.

As Minnesota E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker stated in a recent law firm press release regarding the Wonder World Preschool E. coli outbreak:

Because young children often put their hands and toys in their mouths, preschools and daycare centers can quickly become hot zones for E. coli. Daycare facilities should know this and take affirmative steps to prevent the spread of E. coli.

Minnesota has a history of E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks associated with daycare centers:

• 2005: One daycare-associated outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 resulted in seven confirmed cases and two cases of HUS. The route of transmission was likely person-to-person.
• 2004: Three daycare-associated outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 resulted in a total of 14 laboratory-confirmed cases (four to six cases per daycare). The route of transmission for all three outbreaks was likely person-to-person. There were no associated cases of HUS.
• 2003: One daycare-associated outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 resulted in three confirmed cases.  The route of transmission was likely person-to-person.
• 2001: Three daycare-associated outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 resulted in 33 cases (27 of the cases in one daycare) and five cases of HUS, including one death. The route of transmission was likely person-to-person (Minnesota Department of Health E. coli O157:H7 and HUS Statistics).
  

We are a Minnesota law firm that practices extensively in the area of E. coli litigation.  If your child was sickened in this Minnesota E. coli outbreak associated with Wonder World Preschool, you can contact one of our experienced E. coli lawyers at 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free). If you prefer, you can email our lawyers or submit our free case consultation form. Our offices are located at Plaza VII, Suite 2950, 45 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402.  We are available to meet with you in Slayton to discuss your case.

Full post as published by Food Poisoning Law Blog on June 11, 2008 (boomark / email).