Cluster Food Poisoning Symptoms at Ansan Kindergarten... 5 Undergoing Kidney Dialysis Treatment

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyungsoo] A number of children showing symptoms of food poisoning have occurred at a kindergarten in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, and it has been confirmed that some children have impaired kidney function.

According to Gyeonggi Province health authorities on the 25th, a total of 22 patients who showed symptoms of food poisoning and were hospitalized were reported at a kindergarten in Sangnok-gu, Ansan.

Among the hospitalized patients, 14 showed suspected symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS, also known as hamburger disease), a complication caused by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. Five patients with deteriorated kidney function are receiving dialysis treatment.

The first report of a mass food poisoning incident involving diarrhea at the kindergarten was on the 16th. One kindergarten child showed symptoms of food poisoning such as diarrhea on the 12th, and many children experienced similar symptoms on the 13th and 14th. They were unable to attend on the 15th, and the case was reported to health authorities. A total of 31 patients were hospitalized due to food poisoning, and nine of them who showed improvement in symptoms have been discharged.

Gyeonggi Province and Ansan City health authorities have launched an epidemiological investigation and disinfection measures. Samples were collected from all 202 individuals, including 184 children and 18 staff members, for a full survey. So far, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli has been detected in 42 children and one teacher.

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection is known to occur when consuming undercooked beef or contaminated food. Infection causes symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

The kindergarten has been ordered to close from the 19th of this month until the 30th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.