111 out of 202 Children at Ansan Kindergarten Infected with Enterohemorrhagic Infection... Health Authorities Strengthen Response

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) held a joint meeting on the 27th with Gyeonggi Province, Ansan City, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to specify response measures for the outbreak of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infection at a kindergarten located in Ansan City, Gyeonggi Province.

During the meeting, discussions were held regarding the identification of the cause of the EHEC outbreak, and the possibility of extending the closure order currently imposed on the kindergarten was also reviewed. The participating organizations reportedly agreed to inspect the outbreak site and share the progress of the epidemiological investigation.

At this kindergarten, one child first showed symptoms of food poisoning on the 12th, after which the number of symptomatic individuals rapidly increased. Diagnostic tests were conducted on all enrolled children, teachers, kitchen staff, and family members of patients. As of 12 PM on the same day, 111 out of 202 children and staff were confirmed to be symptomatic.

Among the children, staff, and family contacts, 57 were confirmed as patients with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection. Of the 22 hospitalized individuals (20 children and 2 family members), 15 children are showing suspected symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), commonly known as "hamburger disease." Among the five patients who received dialysis treatment, one has discontinued dialysis, and their symptom improvement is being monitored.

HUS became known in 1982 when dozens of children in the United States were collectively infected after eating hamburgers containing undercooked patties, with about half of the patients suffering severe kidney damage.

The KDCA urged, "To prevent enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection, follow hygiene rules such as handwashing, and ensure beef is thoroughly cooked to eat food safely. Use separate cooking utensils, and if you have symptoms such as diarrhea, do not prepare food yourself."

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