There has been a significant increase in the number of lab-confirmed cases of E. coli in Calgary, according to Alberta Health Services. The total now stands at 348 cases, including 27 secondary cases. The outbreak has been traced back to a shared kitchen that provided food to multiple daycares in the area. The cause of the outbreak, however, remains unknown.
E. coli is a bacteria that can cause serious illness, and in this particular outbreak, it has resulted in children being hospitalized and some requiring dialysis due to hemolytic uremic syndrome. This disease affects the kidneys and can be life-threatening.
As of now, nine patients are receiving care in hospital, down from 12 over the weekend. All of these patients have hemolytic uremic syndrome, and three are on dialysis. Fortunately, the patients with more severe illness are in stable condition and responding well to treatment.
While the original daycares connected to the shared kitchen have been allowed to reopen, other schools and daycares in Calgary have been partially or fully closed due to the suspected secondary spread of the infection. The affected facilities include Active Start Country Hills, CanCare Childcare, CEFA Early Learning Calgary South, Renert Junior Kindergarten, VIK Academy, 1st Class Childcare Shawnessy, and Calgary JCC Child Care.
Alberta Health Services has stated that these secondary cases are mostly a result of transmission from the original daycares or contact between children from the original daycares and the affected facilities. They are currently investigating two cases that have not yet been connected.
The outbreak seems to have peaked, as there are indications of a decrease in new cases related to the initial exposure. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has mentioned that the province will soon shift towards reviewing what happened and finding ways to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.
A total of 642 children who were connected to the outbreak have been cleared to return to daycare facilities, ensuring that they are no longer at risk of contracting or spreading the infection.
Sources:
– Alberta Health Services
– Infectious diseases expert Dr. Isaac Bogoch
