An escalation in E.coli infections linked to 11 Calgary childcare centers and a shared kitchen was confirmed by Alberta Health Services (AHS). The count as of Wednesday morning stands at a staggering 310 cases.
Out of these alarming figures, 21 cases, all children, are currently receiving treatment. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially fatal complication, has developed in 20 cases, with seven children requiring dialysis. However, since the onset of the outbreak, 14 patients have been discharged from hospital.
Eighteen cases of secondary transmission, all within households associated with the affected daycares, have been reported. This, according to AHS, establishes that the outbreak is well-managed and contained.
Dr. Tania Principi empathizes with the strain faced by affected families. Ensuring the best possible medical attention for the victims, she expresses her solidarity. All patients, as she reports, are now stable.
Dr. Principi further commends her colleagues at Alberta Children’s Hospital and other medical facilities throughout the Calgary region for their relentless efforts towards the treatment of the victims and their commitment towards restoring their health.
The horrors of the outbreak hit home for Brittany Chapman as her pre-schooler, Taylor, was one of the hospitalized cases. She lamented on the ordeals the children endured during the illness and recovery process.
In light of control over the outbreak, AHS has lifted the closure orders issued previously over the 11 daycare facilities. However, as per Dr. Franco Rizzuti, such decisions were taken only after ensuring the safety of the environment for the children and staff. Despite this, the source of the outbreak remains unidentified, with a probability that the central fueling Minds kitchen distributed contaminated food.
Recent inspections discovered critical violations at the central kitchen, which had been previously visited multiple times to ensure corrections of identified violations. After the last inspection which written off infractions identified initially, it came as a shocker that the outbreak followed subsequently.
There have been suggestions for enhancing training standards for Alberta kitchens. Domenic Pedulla, President of Canadian Food Safety Group suggested more regular, albeit minimal training.
To be readmitted to the reopened daycare facilities, children are required to have a negative test and remain symptom-free for 21 days. This development has caused ripples for parents seeking alternatives for childcare. Unimpressed by the offering of credits for missed days in lieu of refunds, frustrated parents express distrust and disappointment at the daycare services.
