Eighteen children monitored for E. coli outbreak linked to Mánagarður preschool in Reykjavík

Eighteen children are currently being monitored for symptoms of E. coli, following an outbreak linked to the Mánagarður preschool in Reykjavík. Two children are reported to be in serious condition and are receiving intensive care at the Children’s Hospital. A specialist at the hospital stated that there are seven children admitted, with a total of eighteen treated overall.

E. coli infections can sometimes exhibit severe symptoms, including the risk of kidney failure. The youngest affected child is just over one year old. The hospital has expressed that they are managing the situation, but the arrival of such severely ill children poses significant challenges, requiring extensive medical intervention.

Health authorities are actively investigating the outbreak’s origin, collecting food samples, reviewing the diets of affected children, and discussing the timeline of symptom onset with parents. An epidemiologist has urged the public to avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital, emphasizing that there are alternative facilities available for less severe cases. This focus is to ensure that resources are focused on children who may have contracted the bacteria and need more specialized care.

The situation highlights the particular danger of E. coli group infections in children, underscoring the importance of swift action and thorough investigations in public health emergencies.