Two young children are battling a deadly bacteria following an E.coli outbreak at a Mid Wales nursery. It is not known whether the two cases were linked.Up to 50 children face screening after health officials confirmed two youngsters who attend the Park Lane Day Nursery, in Welshpool, are suffering from the potentially fatal O157 strain of the bacteria. The condition of the two children is not known.
All other children who attend the nursery, which has been shut temporarily, and are aged between three months and four years, are to undergo tests.
Parents were called to an emergency meeting at Welshpool Town Hall yesterday.
One parent, who declined to be named, said she was concerned at where the bacteria - often found in beef - came from.
She said: “I’m very worried, but pleased action has been taken so quickly.
“I’m very concerned about how it has managed to get in to the nursery and hope officials will be able to give us an answer soon, as I think we have a right to know.”
The National Public Health Service for Wales, which is dealing with the situation, said it was not yet known if the two cases were linked.
A spokeswoman for the service said: “We are screening children after two cases of E.coli O157 were confirmed in children attending the nursery.
“It is not yet known whether the two cases are linked, but all children under four are being screened as a precaution.
“The infection can also pass from person to person so it is important anyone who is ill should observe strict personal hygiene to avoid the spread of infection.”
People at the meeting were given a letter from Dr Mac Walapu, a consultant in communicable disease control. It read: “At this point in time we do not know whether the two germs identified are the same.
“As a precautionary measure we are arranging for all children who attend Park Lane Day Nursery, but not children who only attend the after-school club, to be screened.”
The nursery is expected to be closed until at least Wednesday and children will not be able to attend until given the all-clear.
Causes and signs of e.coli:
- E.Coli (Escheria Coli) 0157 is a bacteria which can live harmlessly in the intestines of some healthy cattle and other animals.
- It can, however, produce powerful toxins harmful to humans.
- E.Coli O157 is caught by handling raw meat, especially beef; eating undercooked meat or poultry or other contaminated food product; consuming untreated milk or other dairy products; swimming in or drinking unchlorinated water; coming into direct contact with animals, particularly on farms or in animal sanctuaries; or by being in close contact with an infected person.
- The illness usually occurs within three to eight days of infection, but three to four days is normal.
- Signs and symptoms include diarrhoea with bloody stools, headaches, nausea and vomiting.
- Symptoms of the illness usually persist for about a week.
By Andrew Morris
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