An E. coli wrongful death lawsuit filed in behalf of a 2-year-old boy who died from an E. coli infection he contracted at his daycare center has been settled for $1 million. Myles Mayfield, 2, of Greenwood, South Carolina died May 31, 2015 from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a complication of E. coli infections that causes kidney failure. A teacher at the daycare center got sick in early May of 2015 and was subsequently notified by the South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control that she had tested positive for E. coli, according to the lawsuit. Deposition testimony revealed that daycare directors were aware of the teacher’s positive E. coli test and took no action. Violating state regulations, they allowed her to continue working and did not notify the … [Read more...]
Final Update on Learning Vine Daycare SC STEC Outbreak
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has issued the final update on the Learning Vine daycare STEC outbreak. The case count is at 14 cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, including people who were at that facility and their family members. There was one fatality. E.coli attorney Eric Hageman filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family whose 2-year old boy died. There are no reports of ongoing transmission in this outbreak, and no reports of new illnesses in students or staff since June 1, 2015. The investigation is now over. On May 18, 2015, DHEC was notified of a confirmed case of STEC in a person at the center. No other recent cases of E. coli in Greenwood County were found in a database search. But on May 29, DHEC was notified of … [Read more...]
Now 11 Sick with E. coli At The Learning Vine Daycare in SC
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...]
