E. coli outbreak hits day care center

LEMONT, IL — At least 21 children, 18 of whom are under the age of five, and one adult at KinderCare Learning Center have contracted E. coli, according to the Southtown Star.


KinderCare has increased its sanitization efforts, including enhanced cleaning of surfaces, bringing in additional staff to monitor hand washing and hiring a certified nurse, the story stated.


According to the story, the day care center has been allowed to remain open so the children have a place to go and so they do not carry the bacteria to other centers.


The Cook County Health Department has mandated all children and adults at the KinderCare Learning Center be tested for the bacteria that caused the outbreak thought to be linked to a lack of proper hand washing, the story noted.


Beth Daniels, a spokeswoman for the day care, said: "KinderCare working with parents to reimburse them for certain out-of-pocket medical expenses and lost wages due to staying home with their children. We've been doing everything possible to prevent the further spread of this."


Three children have been hospitalized, treated and released as a result of the outbreak, the story added.