The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has updated their investigation into the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak at The Learning Vine daycare in Greenwood county. Now 11 cases have been confirmed. The cases are of people who went to the daycare and their family members. As of today, June 13, 2014, 194 test results are negative for STEC. The three new lab-confirmed cases are people who had diarrhea, or were asymptomatic, but are now symptom-free. There is "no evidence of ongoing transmission related to this investigation, and there has been no new onset of illness in students or staff of the daycare since June 1, 2015," according to the report. The childcare center has been cleared to re-open. The Learning Vine has met conditions of the public … [Read more...]
Health and Safety Violations at The Learning Vine Daycare Center
Health and safety violations have been reported at The Learning Vine daycare center in Greenwood, South Carolina, which is at the center of an E. coli outbreak. The report, issued by the South Carolina Child Care Early Care and Education department, lists 12 violations ranging from cross-contamination at diaper changing stations to open trash cans and a dirty fridge. E. coli infections are spread by contact with infected human waste and animal waste. In this outbreak, at least eight people are sick with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria; some have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and one 2-year-old boy has died. The daycare has received a "C" grade, which means the facility meets requirements, but that is the lowest grade on the scale. The violations that may be … [Read more...]
The Learning Vine Daycare SC E. coli Outbreak Investigation Updated
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has updated their investigation into the E. coli outbreak at The Learning Vine daycare center in Greenwood County. At this time, there are eight cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). DHEC is working with the CDC, FDA, and the childcare facility to investigate the mode of transmission. The facility has voluntarily closed. Here is the timeline: On May 18, the government was notified of a confirmed case of E. coli illness in a person associated with The Learning Vine. The person was interviewed, and was symptom-free since May 11. On May 29, DHEC was notified of a case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in Greenwood County; this is a complication of an E. coli infection. Interviews of close contacts of … [Read more...]
South Carolina Updates E. coli Outbreak at Learning Vine Daycare
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has updated their investigation into the E. coli outbreak associated with The Learning Vine daycare in Greenwood County. As of June 8, 2015, there are eight confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. The announcement states, "at this time, no other facility is included as part of this ongoing investigation." Last week, officials announced that two-year-old Myles Mayfield died of complications from an E. coli infection. While no announcement has linked the toddler's death to the daycare center, this is the only known E. coli outbreak in that state at this time. Daycare facilities in Greenwood, Laurens, and Abbeville Counties are being kept informed about the investigation and the outbreak. Noted attorney Fred … [Read more...]
E. coli Outbreak at The Learning Vine Daycare in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control confirmed seven cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli associated with The Learning Vine daycare facility in Greenwood, South Carolina. That facility is located at 101 Overland Drive in Greenwood. The facility has closed voluntarily and staff has been cooperating with public health officials. A 2-year-old boy, Myles Mayfield, died May 31, 2015 from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is a complication of an E. coli infection. The statement from DHEC does not mention Myles, but lab cultures have confirmed that four of the E. coli cases associated with that facility are from the same strain of bacteria. Two people are currently hospitalized. State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said in a statement, "our primary concern … [Read more...]
Greenwood, SC Boy Dies from E. coli; School Outbreak?
The Greenwood School District 50 sent a letter to parents on June 1, 2015 stating that the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is investigating a possible Shiga toxin-produing E. coli (STEC) infection at the Springfield Elementary School. A 2-year-old boy has died from complications relating to an E. coli infection. Myles Mayfield died Sunday night at Greenville Memorial Hospital. The entire school has been sanitized, and the health department is monitoring the situation. "We take these matters very seriously," said Superintendent Darrell Johnson. "We are very concerned about the health and well-being of every student and adult at Springfield and in our district." The letter states that the symptoms of a STEC infection include severe stomach cramps, … [Read more...]
E.coli 0157:H7 Fears Prompt SC Recall Of 7000 Lbs Of Ground Beef
The South Carolina Meat Poultry Inspection Department (SCMPID) has recalled 6,908 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The recall was issued after SCMPID lab tests on samples of ground beef produced by Lancaster Frozen Foods, of Lancaster, SC were positive for E. coli O157:H7. Lancaster held the lot while awaiting test results, but additional unground product from the same lot was used by and G&W Incorporated, Hickory Grove, SC. There have been no illnesses reported in association with this recall which includes: 5-lb. bulk packages “Lancaster Frozen Foods Fresh Ground Beef” with Est. # 20 inside the SC mark of inspection. 10-lb. boxes of beef patties “Lancaster Frozen Foods Ground Beef Patties” with Est. # 20 inside the SC mark of … [Read more...]
Spartanburg SC, Where All The Restaurants Are Above Average
In Garrison Keillor's fictional hometown, Lake Wobegone, all the women are strong, all the men are good looking and all the children are above average. In Spartanburg, S.C. it's the restaurants that are all above average including the one that is the source of an E.coli outbreak that has sickened 11 people and hospitalized two. Because all 452 restaurants in Spartanburg have a letter grade of A from the South Carolina Department of Health an Environmental Control's (SCDHEC) restaurant rating system. Earlier this week, when Food Poisoning Bulletin asked how residents in Spartanburg could make safe choices without knowing the name of the restaurant at the source of the outbreak, a SDHEC spokesman said there was not an ongoing threat and they would be OK eating at any of the area … [Read more...]
