Cause of outbreak under investigation

THE Public Health Agency is continuing to investigate an outbreak of E coli 0157 at Holly House Nursery.

As the 'MAIL went to press a total of 14 cases had been identified. None of the cases has been seriously ill.

The cases include children who attend the nursery, and the Public Health Agency is continuing to work with colleagues from Craigavon Borough Council Environmental Health Department to investigate the outbreak further.

The source of the infection is still under investigation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dr Neil Irvine, Consultant in Health Protection at the Public Health Agency said: “The nursery remains closed and all appropriate infection control measures are being taken and the nursery is co-operating fully with the PHA.

“Further cases may occur due to household transmission of E coli 0157. As part of standard procedures, we are screening household contacts of confirmed cases. Contacts have been given advice to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

"The PHA continues to monitor the situation and is working closely with the nursery to ensure all infection control measures are being taken."

A council spokesperson said: “Craigavon Borough Council’s Environmental Health Department are working closely the Public Health Agency in trying to both identify the source and control of the infection.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Environmental Health officers are giving regular advice to the nursery and have taken samples of both food and water as part of the investigation which to date have come back clear. We will continue to work with all the parties involved."

Related topics: