Government "Feels Responsible and Apologetic"... Official Apology 10 Days After Ansan Kindergarten Student's Hamburger Disease

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] The Ministry of Education held its first inter-agency meeting 10 days after multiple cases of food poisoning occurred at a kindergarten in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, and issued an apology regarding the mass food poisoning incident.

Earlier, criticism arose that the Ministry of Education's response was delayed as many children developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS, also known as hamburger disease) and required dialysis treatment due to this incident.

On the 26th, the Ministry of Education held a video conference with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and metropolitan and provincial offices of education to strengthen prevention and management of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infections. At this meeting, Director Oh Seok-hwan of the Education Welfare Policy Bureau attended on behalf of the Ministry of Education, and managers from other agencies participated.

In his opening remarks, Director Oh said, "In this uncertain situation where the infectious disease crisis caused by COVID-19 may not end anytime soon, another infectious disease is threatening the health and safety of children," adding, "We are deeply concerned and feel a heavy responsibility, and we sincerely apologize." He continued, "Above all, I am sorry for the children who are struggling in the hospital," and promised to strengthen the prevention and management system.

Since the 16th, multiple children at a kindergarten in Ansan have shown symptoms of food poisoning.

Among 295 individuals tested so far by health authorities?including children, their families, and staff?49 have tested positive for enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, 99 are awaiting test results, and the remaining 147 tested negative.

Fifteen children are showing symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a complication caused by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, and among them, five are receiving dialysis treatment due to impaired kidney function. It is known that patients with this disease may need to rely on dialysis treatment for life.

The kindergarten has been ordered to close from the 19th of this month until the 30th. Notably, during the epidemiological investigation, it was confirmed that six preserved food samples, including Gungjung Tteokbokki, were not properly stored. Preserved food refers to food ingredients that facilities are required to keep for 144 hours to prepare for food poisoning incidents.

Health authorities are currently analyzing the cause of the outbreak of the legally designated infectious disease enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli through epidemiological investigations and are working to prevent further infections.

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