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...]
