A Blackfalds child care facility has been closed since last Friday while Alberta Health continues to monitor an emerging Shiga-toxin producing E. coli outbreak.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) raised an alert last Friday when a child who attended the east location of Aspen Lakes Discovery Center tested positive for Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC).
An outbreak was declared later that day and the operators were closed to shut down after it was determined that multiple individuals who attended that facility had come down with symptoms.
By Tuesday at 3 p.m., three children and one staff member who attended the facility tested positive for STEC. None have required hospital care.
AHS Environmental Public Health is leading the investigation into the outbreak and is working with the facility to reduce the chance of further transmission. This includes reviewing cleaning, sanitation and isolation protocols. AHS remains in close contact with those affected by this outbreak.
So far, the source and root cause of the infection remains unknown. AHS is following up with the 136 children and 25 staff considered exposed.
STEC often causes diarrhea with stomach cramps, and blood may also be present in the stool. In some people, a more severe illness known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) may occur. HUS often results in hospitalization and can lead to long-term kidney problems.
While STEC illness can be caused by eating or drinking potentially contaminated products such as undercooked meat or unpasteurized milk, it can also be spread from person to person, particularly among small children. Infected children can shed the bacteria in their stool, and contamination of their hands.
"Alberta’s government hopes for a swift recovery of all those affected by this situation," says a news release Wednesday morning. "The health, safety and well-being of children is a top priority for Alberta’s government. An active investigation is underway, so no further information can be released at this time."
Those with questions about E. coli are advised to call Health Link at 811.
