E. coli probe focuses on Fredericton day care

25.aug.06
CBC.ca News
http://www.cbc.ca/story/science/national/2006/08/25/nb-ecoli.html

Public health officials are focusing on a Fredericton day care in their investigation of an E. coli infection that hospitalized a four-year-old girl Thursday.

They still don't know where the girl contracted E. coli, but an initial investigation found three other children at Bright Beginnings Daycare and one parent who tested positive for the toxin produced by the bacteria.

Dr. Cristin Muecke, an official with the public health department, said they experienced mild symptoms, unlike the four-year-old girl being treated at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax.

"We do know the attending physicians became concerned about the status of her kidney, and that's why they sent her to the IWK," she said.

Symptoms of E. coli include diarrhea, cramps and a mild fever. E. coli infections can be fatal, and young children, the elderly and chronically ill are particularly at risk.

Girl in stable condition in Halifax hospital

The girl is reportedly in stable condition and improving at the IWK, which specializes in the care of children.

Melissa Morton-Cormier, chair of the day care's board of directors, said it's possible the girl contracted the infection someplace other than Bright Beginnings, but that the centre was closed as a safety precaution.

"You can't always control what kids are exposed to, and if we do receive feedback from the public health department, we'll certainly implement any improvements they suggest to us," said Morton-Cormier.

All children and staff undergo tests for E. coli

All children and staff at the day care and their families have been tested for E. coli, including Brad Tozer and his four-year-old daughter Sarah.

Tozer is still waiting to get test results back. "Because we didn't see any symptoms, we weren't concerned, but I would say I was probably more concerned for the well-being of all the children," he said.

Public health officials said the bacteria is not a danger to the public.

The day-care centre will remain closed while officials continue their investigation.