The investigation into the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak at Heart Centered Montessori School in West Linn, Oregon has been closed with no resolution. Officials say they cannot solve the case. Environmental samples and samples from the students and staff all tested negative.
The outbreak, which began in late October, 2014, sickened three children. Two were quickly diagnosed with E. coli O157:H7 infections, and the third was later diagnosed with the same infection. The owner of the school closed that facility and reopened in a new location earlier this month.
The E. coli bacteria infects people through the fecal-oral route. It is spread through contact with animals or by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. The symptoms of the infection include severe abdominal pain, mild fever, vomiting, nausea, and watery and/or bloody diarrhea. Children can develop serious complications from an E. coli infection, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) that can destroy the kidneys.
To prevent these outbreaks, avoid drinking unpasteurized milk, dairy products, and apple cider; always cook ground meats to a temperature of 165°F, wash your hands thoroughly after contact with animals, especially ruminant animals such as cows and goats, and wash your hands well after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing food and eating. Avoid cross-contamination between raw meats and other foods, especially those that are eaten raw. And if you are sick with a diarrheal illness, stay home from work and school until you have completely recovered.
Why the new location? Was the old location not safe?