KinderCare Learning Center E. coli Outbreak
By Kathy Will
An E. coli outbreak at the KinderCare Learning Center in the Village of Lemont, Illinois has led to 22 confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7: 21 of the cases are children and one is an adult worker. Three of the children who were sickened in the outbreak were hospitalized, but they have since been released, according to the Southtown Star. The newspaper said the outbreak was associated with a “lack of handwashing.”
Preschools and daycare centers are responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary facility. Although there are a number of different ways E. coli can spread, the underlying source is feces. Only a very small amount (100-200 bacterium) of E. coli O157:H7 is needed to cause disease.
“Because young children often put their hands and toys in their mouths, preschools and daycare centers can quickly become hot zones for E. coli. Daycares and preschools should know this and take affirmative steps to prevent the spread of E. coli,” stated Fred Pritzker, nationally-recognized food safety lawyer.
The best way for day care workers to prevent the spread of E. coli O157:H7 is to wash their hands. E. coli bacteria can easily hide under a fingernail or anywhere on the hand that was not thoroughly washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. It is especially important that day care workers wash their hands after using the restroom and changing a diaper. It is also important for daycare workers to wash their hands before preparing food and feeding a child.
Other basic sanitation measures that preschools and daycares are expected to maintain include the following: 1) clean and disinfect diapering area and potty chairs after each use; 2) clean toilets, sinks and toys at least daily; 3) cook all hamburger and ground beef until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit; 4) do not allow children to drink unpasteurized milk or fruit juices; 5) wash and disinfect all cutting boards, knives, utensils and dishes that have been used for raw meat or poultry before using them with fresh produce and other uncooked foods; and 6) do not let children serve or prepare food for other children.
PritzkerOlsen, P.A. is a nationally-recognized food safety law firm. Attorney Fred Pritzker has appeared on CNN, CBS News, Fox News the associated press and other news media.
Tags: day care E. coli, Illinois E. coli
