E coli outbreak threatens infants in crèches

INFANTS attending crèches were among those most at risk of E coli infection, public health specialists investigating Ireland’s largest recorded E coli 0157 outbreak have found.

A report on the outbreak in West Limerick between October 15 and November 30 last also identified drinking water from private group water schemes (GWSs) as a hazard.

A total of 18 cases of E coli 0157 infection were recorded in the Kilfinny area of West Limerick at the time. As a result of the outbreak, two children were hospitalised with haemolytic uraemic syndrome, a type of acute renal failure associated with anaemia. The syndrome has a fatality rate of about 10%. One child required dialysis.