E. coli outbreak affects children at Mánagarður preschool in Reykjavik

A serious outbreak of E. coli has affected a group of children at a Reykjavik preschool, Mánagarður, with at least ten children reporting illness. Three children have been confirmed with E. coli infections, and four have been hospitalized for treatment.

Public health officials are treating the outbreak as a significant public health concern, particularly as it poses heightened risks to young children. The local health officer, Gudrún Aspelund, emphasizes that while anyone can fall ill from this bacteria, its presence in a children’s environment is particularly alarming.

The origins of such infections are typically linked to contaminated food, especially beef or vegetables. Currently, there are over 120 children enrolled at the preschool, but only ten have shown symptoms. The time frame from exposure to symptom manifestation can vary from one to two days. Symptoms primarily include severe diarrhea, which can be bloody, along with possible vomiting, abdominal cramps, and sometimes fever.

Parents are urged to seek medical attention immediately if their children exhibit such symptoms, given the potential severity of the situation. In response to the outbreak, the preschool has been temporarily closed while investigations are underway to determine the source of infections. Public health teams are actively addressing the situation to ensure the safety of the community and prevent further spread of the bacteria.