Finland daycare center steps up hygiene measures after children contract Group A Streptococcus

At least two children in the summer care group of the Keljonkangas daycare center in Jyväskylä, Finland, have fallen ill from Group A Streptococcus, a bacterium that can cause various infections. Due to these cases, sanitation measures, especially handwashing, have been intensified in the daycare center. Samples have also been taken from the other children in the group.

Group A Streptococcus causes throat infections like tonsillitis and can also cause impetigo, a contagious skin infection. Parents of the daycare children have been advised to contact healthcare services if their child shows such symptoms. The bacterium spreads through droplet transmission.

The bacteria had also caused illnesses in several daycare centers in Jyväskylä last winter. This news will be updated as more information becomes available about the recent cases at the Keljonkangas daycare center.