Part of a Surrey nursery has been closed for a deep clean after one case of E-Coli poisoning has been confirmed and a second looks probable.
Both children attend the Pavillion Day Nursery in Surrey which is now under investigation by the Health Protection Unit (HPU) and the Environmental Health Department to identify the source of the outbreak.
Warnings to parents of children who attend the nursery have been issued, and children and staff suffering symptoms are undergoing testing.
E-Coli
E-Coli is a bacterial infection most commonly contracted from contaminated fruit and vegetables. Symptoms of the condition include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and a fever. In around 5% of cases victims can develop serious kidney complications.
Children, the elderly and people with weak immune systems are most at risk of the infection and the complications that can arise from it.
E-Coli is contagious, it can spread from person to person by hand and mouth contact. Below are some tips to prevent E-Coli poisoning and to stop the spread of the infection:
- Cook food thoroughly.
- Wash fruit and vegetables before eating them.
- Peeling or cooking fruit and vegetables can remove the bacteria.
- Infected people should practice good hygiene and wash their hands regularly with soap.
- Infected people should refrain from swimming in public places, sharing baths and preparing food for others.
- Small children should be supervised to ensure they wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating.
