Clark County, WA Warns of Possible E coli O157 Risk
A child who recently tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 attended a supervised play area at Lake Shore Athletic Club near Vancouver, Washington while possibly contagious. Clark County Public Health and Lake Shore managers are asking parents to watch for symptoms among children who visited the play area between July 10 and August 4.
Clark county health officials continue to work with Lake Shore management to contain the situation and eliminate any risk of additional exposures. The child’s positive test for E. coli was reported to Public Health by a clinical laboratory. The original source of the infection is not known. In a continuing investigation, Public Health is contacting people who may have been exposed at the athletic club or at other locations visited by the infected child or others who have reported symptoms possibly related to the incident.
To date, there are 30 probable cases of E coli O157 in the area that are associated with Lake Shore Athletic Club. Four of the probable cases are staff members of the athletic club and 28 are children who attended the supervised child care center.
Children who contract E coli O157:H7 infections are at risk for developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS-E coli), a severe illness that causes kidney failure, brain damage and death. Clark county officials recommend that children with symptoms of an E coli infection should see a health care provider immediately. In addition, their parents should contact Public Health at (360) 397-8022. The initial symptoms of an E coli O157:H7 infection include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that may be bloody.
Tags: day care E. coli, e. coli children
