- Written by Max Mazza
- BBC News, Seattle
Canadian authorities are investigating a large pediatric outbreak of E. coli that appears to have originated in a kitchen where meals were prepared for children at a daycare center.
Dr. Mark Joffe, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, told reporters Tuesday that the kitchen was inspected after a spike in children visiting emergency rooms.
Doctors quickly “linked” cases to “one centralized kitchen,” he said.
Authorities have not yet determined the exact source of the infection, which has affected 264 children so far.
The kitchen is run by a company called Furing Brains, which provides meals to day care centers around the affected cities of Calgary and Saskatoon.
At least six children have kidney failure and are on dialysis. More than 20 others have been diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a disease that damages the kidneys. Children are under 5 years old.
Officials say the number of cases continues to rise.
The kitchen, believed to be the source of the outbreak, is providing meals to all 11 affected childcare centers, the Calgary Herald reported.
All centers were closed by emergency authorities, but six centers were allowed to reopen. Officials say it is safe for the children to return to the facility.
The kitchen inspection was conducted by Alberta Health Services on Sept. 5, a day after authorities declared an E. coli outbreak.
The health inspector’s report cited several serious violations, including pest infestations and problems with food handling and transportation.
“Two live adult cockroaches were observed on the sides of stainless steel equipment surrounding the dishwashing area,” the report states.
It added that traps placed near two sinks had “at least 20 cockroaches on each sticky pad” and that a “sewage gas odor” was detected in the kitchen.
Additionally, food was transported without proper refrigeration and disinfectants were improperly mixed, resulting in ineffective disinfectants.
“The food was not handled in a manner that made it safe to eat,” health inspectors wrote in their report. report.
The kitchen is closed and “will only reopen when we are absolutely sure it is safe,” Dr. Joffe said.
Where to send the statement CBC News Furing Brains announced Tuesday that it acted quickly after being notified of the outbreak.
“While our kitchen remains closed, all food will be sourced from outside suppliers,” company vice president Kent Hare said in a statement.
The company added that it is communicating with parents and staff.
“Throughout this process, we have been transparent, collaborative, and taken action as quickly as possible.”
What is E. coli?
E. coli is a bacterial infection present in the intestines and feces of many animals, especially cows.
Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever. About half of infected people develop bloody diarrhea.
These symptoms usually become noticeable 3 to 4 days after infection, but can begin any time between 1 and 14 days after infection and can last up to two weeks.
A small number of infected people develop a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure and death.