MINNEAPOLIS - (Business Wire) According to the law firm of Pritzker
| Ruohonen & Associates, P.A., an E. coli outbreak at Wonder World Preschool in the town of Slayton, Minnesota has led to three confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7. Thirteen other children have shown symptoms of an E. coli infection. One child has been hospitalized and is showing signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication of E. coli O157:H7 that is the leading cause of acute kidney failure in children.
Preschools and day care centers are responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary facility. Although there are a number of different ways E. coli can spread, the underlying source is feces. E. coli O157:H7 bacteria leave the body through the stool of an infected person or animal (usually cattle) and enter a person when hands, food, water or objects (such as toys) contaminated with stool are placed in the mouth.
“Because young children often put their hands and toys in their mouths, preschools and day care centers can quickly become hot zones for E. coli. Preschools and day care facilities should know this and take affirmative steps to prevent the spread of E. coli,” stated Fred Pritzker, nationally-recognized food safety lawyer.
The best way for preschool and day care workers to prevent the spread of E. coli O157:H7 is to wash their hands. Bacteria can easily hide under a fingernail or anywhere on the hand that was not thoroughly washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. It is especially important that preschool and day care workers wash their hands after using the restroom, changing a diaper, preparing food, or feeding a child.
Other basic sanitation measures that preschools and day care centers are expected to maintain include the following: 1) clean and disinfect diapering area and potty chairs after each use; 2) clean toilets, sinks and toys at least daily; 3) cook all hamburger and ground beef until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit; 4) do not allow children to drink unpasteurized milk or fruit juices; 5) wash and disinfect all cutting boards, knives, utensils and dishes that have been used for raw meat or poultry before using them with fresh produce and other uncooked foods; and 6) do not let children serve or prepare food for other children.
Preschools and daycare centers should also notify parents when a child attending the preschool or daycare center is diagnosed with an E. coli infection.
Pritzker | Ruohonen & Associates, P.A. is one of the few law firms in the United States that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. The firm has collected millions of dollars on behalf of victims of E. coli outbreaks. For more information, visit http://www.pritzkerlaw.com or contact Fred Pritzker at (612) 338-0202. Pritzker | Ruohonen has offices are located at Plaza VII, Suite 2950, 45 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Pritzker | Ruohonen & Associates, P.A.
Fred Pritzker, 612-338-0202
