Creche closed following E.coli outbreak

A CRECHE in Limerick has been closed following an outbreak of diarrhoea among children attending the facility.

The HSE said yesterday a number of cases of Verotoxigenic E.coli (VTEC) O26 infection have occurred at the creche.

A spokesman for the HSE said: “In order to break the cycle of transmission of this infection among the children, and with the agreement of the creche management, the creche has closed pending screening of all of the children and staff there for VTEC.

“The HSE is satisfied that the creche is fully compliant with pre-school standards.”

Children from the creche will not be able to attend any other childcare facility until they have been cleared.

The Department of Public Health, it emerged, has asked that employers facilitate the parents while they are unable to avail of childminding.

Parents have been advised that in the event their child develops diarrhoea, especially bloody diarrhoea, they should seek medical attention from their general practitioner.

Over 200 cases of VTEC were reported in Ireland in 2010. The incidence has increased in Ireland in recent years and rates of this infection are higher than average in the mid-west and the other western counties.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has previously advised householders who use water from private wells to ensure that their wells are properly maintained following the increase in Verotoxigenic/E.coli cases.

The infection often causes severe bloody diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. It can also cause non-bloody diarrhoea or in some instances, no symptoms. In 5%-10% of cases, it can cause a more serious illness.

The incidence of VTEC disease in Ireland is high in children under the age of five years as it is more easily spread between individuals in this age group. It usually requires no specific treatment other than ensuring plenty of fluids are taken.

A leaflet, E.coli/O157: Protecting the Children in Your Care, is available through the FSAI website that highlights the importance of hand hygiene in this setting.

The infection can also be transmitted through contaminated water, contact with farm animals or through consumption of undercooked meat or unpasteurised products.

* http://www.fsai.ie/publications/leaflets/ Ecoli_ children.pdf.