Twelve people have been hospitalized after an E. coli outbreak at six locations of a Calgary daycare and five other sites that share a kitchen, according to Alberta Health Services (AHS).
Seventeen lab-confirmed cases have been linked to the outbreak, according to AHS, with 50 children showing symptoms in hospital.
AHS has ordered the following daycare locations closed until issues are resolved at a shared central kitchen.
Fueling Brains at:
- Braeside
- West 85th
- New Brighton
- Centennial
- Bridgeland
- McKnight
Along with Braineer Academy, Kidz Space, Little Oak Early Education, Almond Branch School and Vik Academy in Okotoks.
“Families with children attending any of the above locations are being sent letters advising of the outbreak and are being asked to monitor for symptoms and present to an emergency department if necessary,” read a media release from AHS.
The predominant symptom of E. coli is diarrhea, and it could be bloody, AHS said. Symptoms start up to 10 days after eating food contaminated with E. coli bacteria. If symptoms develop, please call 811. If they develop severe symptoms, AHS is asking you to visit an urgent care clinic, an emergency department or your family physician and let them know of your potential exposure to E. coli.
AHS said that children, the elderly and the immunocompromised are at greater risk from this particular strain of E. coli bacteria.
Most people affected by E. coli improve on their own without specific treatment, but others may develop severe complications.
