The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced Sunday that lab tests have confirmed seven cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) associated with a daycare in Greenwood, SC. On Monday, the department updated the number of confirmed E. coli cases to eight. Four of these individuals have infections with the same bacteria strain, DHEC noted, and two of them are in the hospital. DHEC issued a public health consent agreement with The Learning Vine in Greenwood to close and the facility has, officials stated, adding that no current information suggests a risk to the broader community.
- All students and staff must be tested for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and have at least one negative stool sample before returning to the facility. Some individuals may be required to have two negative stool samples before returning to the facility based on their history of illness or contact with cases.
- The facility must continue to follow all recommendations issued by DHEC.
The department stated that the following steps have been taken to identify the E. coli source and stop the spread of infection:
- Completed an initial onsite inspection of the daycare facility and provided cleaning guidance.
- Conducted more than 50 interviews to identify and notify individuals at possible risk for exposure.
- Collected and tested samples for laboratory analysis.
- Established a hotline and held a forum to provide assistance to those affected.
- Confirmed that the daycare facility had completed the required cleaning by conducting a follow-up inspection with the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
- Issued a public health consent agreement with the daycare facility in order to limit the possibility of further spread of the infection.
Symptoms of STEC infections typically include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Most people get better within five to seven days. However, children younger than 5, seniors, pregnant women, and people with a chronic health condition or a weak immune system are more prone to serious complications from E. coli infections. The best way to avoid STEC and other E. coli infections is to wash your hands often using soap and warm water after using the bathroom, before eating and when changing diapers. Also, do not send children to daycare or school if they are sick, and keep them at home until diarrhea has ended and the child has been cleared by a medical professional. For more information about STEC and how to prevent it, go here.