THE HEALTH Service Executive in the midwest has confirmed that two linked cases of verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) O157 infection have occurred in the same classroom at a school in Co Clare.
The HSE has not confirmed the location of the school, however it is believed to be in Clonlara in east Clare. It is believed that doctors were still at the school yesterday speaking with teachers and pupils in an effort to establish whether any other cases existed.
The HSE has said however that all children in junior infant classes are excluded from attending the school pending screening for VTEC. “Parents of other children in the school have been advised that children (other than junior infants) may attend as normal at this point in time.
The HSE added: “Parents and school staff have been reminded that children with diarrhoea should not attend school until they have been clear of symptoms for 48 hours while parents have also been advised that, should their child develop diarrhoea, especially bloody diarrhoea, they should seek medical attention from their general practitioner.”
E.coli O157:H7 is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. Although most strains are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals, this strain produces a powerful toxin and can cause severe illness.