Ballynahinch nursery hit by E.coli outbreak

Ballynahinch nursery hit by E.coli outbreak

22 June 2016

A BALLYNAHINCH day nursery will reopen this morning following an E coli outbreak.

Safe and Sound Day Nursery at Crabtree Road was closed for a week after at least eight children became infected with the potentially deadly bug, which can cause diarrhoea, tummy cramps and nausea or vomiting.

It may be several more days until all pupils are cleared to return after preliminary tests carried out by the Public Health Agency (PHA) indicate there may be further cases.  

Although the origin of the bacteria is unconfirmed, sources suggest it may have been accidentally brought into the nursery by a visitor, before being transmitted among the children.

Nursery owner Angeline Quinn yesterday confirmed the outbreak and said staff had been working with the PHA to resolve the issue.

She said they were following the PHA’s advice “to the letter” and had carried out a deep clean of the premises, with children’s safety remaining their foremost concern.

“The source of the outbreak is not known. However, we stress that we take our responsibility toward the children in our care very seriously indeed,” she said.

“This has been a very worrying time for parents, staff and children alike. We would like to express our thanks to the parents in particular for the support they have shown to us but also the Public Health Agency whose direction and assistance has been invaluable and we look forward to welcoming the children back to the nursery.”

Parents of children affected by the outbreak have united to support the award-winning facility, which opened in 2007, praising management’s approach to the crisis.

Jacqui McCullough, whose three year-old son Jonah fell ill last weekend, said staff had professionally handled the incident and taken every possible precaution to protect the children by closing her child’s room as soon as he was diagnosed.

“I do not think they could have done anything more or dealt with this any better,” she said.

“I feel very strongly that Safe and Sound does a good job by the kids and the children always come first there. That has not changed.

“Jonah had an upset stomach and, although he is still testing positive, I am not concerned about him. The most difficult part has been staying off work as nobody else can mind him while he still has the bacteria in his system.”

Drumaness dad Fintan Lawlor, whose two young sons attend the nursery, said staff had called several times per day to check on his three year-old once he was confirmed to have the bug.

“I am a cautious parent but even after the outbreak I would say there is nowhere else I would send my child,” he said.

“I have the utmost gratitude for the way the nursery has dealt with this and I am 100 per cent confident this did not originate in the nursery.

“It was, of course, scary as a parent to hear your child was infected but the nursery was not at fault. They have obviously spent a lot of time, money and effort and gone beyond what many would have done to put this right.

“As soon as the nursery reopens my boys will be straight back in there.”

Anke Fleming, whose three year-old daughter also attends the nursery, also praised Safe and Sound’s approach.

“It was a really rotten situation but it was dealt with properly,” she said.

“I was told everything face to face and the owner was available around the clock if parents had concerns. Their communication was excellent.”

The nursery was given the green light to reopen this morning following a final inspection by the Public Health Agency.

Dr Lucy Jessop, a consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, confirmed the organisation was working with Environmental Health and nursery staff to identify the source of infection and to help prevent transmission to other children.

She said the nursery had been closed for a deep clean as a precautionary measure while samples were taken from all children.

“The PHA continues to monitor the situation and is working closely with the nursery to ensure all infection control measures are being taken and parents have been given advice to reduce the risk of spreading the infection,” Dr Jessop said.

“It is vital that everyone follows some simple rules to prevent the spread of E.coli – not just those with symptoms, but everyone should wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food. 

“People with vomiting or diarrhoea should remain at home for 48 hours after last symptoms appear.

“Escherichia coli bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many different types of E. coli, and while some live in the intestine quite harmlessly, others may cause a variety of diseases. The bacterium is found in faeces and can survive in the environment.”

Dr Jessop advised anyone with concerns about their child’s health to contact their GP.