E. coli outbreak declared at Alberta child-care centre, shutdown ordered
Alberta Health Services’ environmental public health is leading the investigation into the outbreak, the source and cause of which are unknown at this time.
An investigation is underway following an E. coli outbreak that has led to the temporary closure of a child-care centre in central Alberta.
Alberta Health is monitoring an outbreak of Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) at the Aspen Lakes Discovery Centre's east location in Blackfalds, Alberta. A child from the centre tested positive for the bacteria on Friday, prompting the declaration of an outbreak later that same day when additional cases were reported.
As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, Alberta Health reported that three children and one staff member have tested positive for STEC. Alberta Health Services' environmental public health team is leading the investigation to determine the source and cause of the outbreak.
The investigation involves following up with 161 individuals who were potentially exposed, including 136 children and 25 staff members. It also includes a review of the centre's cleaning, sanitation, and isolation protocols.
STEC typically causes diarrhea and stomach cramps, and blood may be present in the stool. In some cases, the bacteria can lead to a more severe illness called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which often requires hospitalization and can result in long-term kidney issues.
STEC can be contracted through contaminated food or drink, such as undercooked meat or unpasteurized milk, but it can also spread from person to person, especially among young children who can transmit the bacteria through their stool and contaminated hands.
Alberta Health Services is working with the daycare operator to manage the situation. For questions about the outbreak, individuals are advised to call Health Link at 811.
This outbreak follows a significant E. coli outbreak at Calgary child-care facilities last year. That eight-week outbreak, traced to Fueling Minds, a catering company and school lunch provider, resulted in at least 448 infections, with 39 people hospitalized, including 38 children and one adult. An AHS report indicated the outbreak was likely linked to meatloaf served at one meal, though the exact route of contamination could not be confirmed.
