E. coli outbreak declared at Alberta child-care centre, shutdown ordered
Global News
Three children and one staff member from a Blackfalds, Alta., child care centre have tested positive for Shiga-toxin producing E. coli.
An investigation is underway into an E. coli outbreak that has temporarily shut down a central Alberta child-care centre.
Alberta Health said it is monitoring an emerging Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak at the Aspen Lakes Discovery Centre licensed child-care facility in Blackfalds, Alta. The outbreak is at the centre’s east location.
A child who attended the centre tested positive on Friday, Alberta Health said in a news release on Wednesday morning.
An outbreak was declared later that day when other people from the centre came down with symptoms.
As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, Alberta Health said three children and one staff member have tested positive for STEC.
Alberta Health Services’ environmental public health is leading the investigation into the outbreak, the source and cause of which are unknown at this time.
AHS is following up with 161 people who are considered exposed, including 136 children and 25 staff members. The investigation also includes reviewing cleaning, sanitation and isolation protocols.
STEC often causes diarrhea with stomach cramps, and blood may also be present in the stool. Alberta Health said in some people, a more severe illness known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) may occur. HUS often results in hospitalization and can lead to long-term kidney problems.
