Health Unit investigating E. coli symptoms at Sunset Park Update

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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The Senior Kindergarten French Immersion classroom at Sunset Park School will reopen on Thursday, November 13. Closing the classroom was a precautionary measure. The Health Unit continues to investigate four children who have E. coli-like symptoms and are still waiting results from laboratory tests.

The Health Unit is working very closely with the Near North District School Board. Thorough cleaning has been completed in the classroom and common areas. The health unit has also talked to all parents with children in the Senior Kindergarten class at Sunset Park School.

Parents are reminded to keep their children at home if they are sick. If they have diarrhea they should not return to school until 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped.

Symptoms of E. coli include diarrhea (which may become bloody), severe stomach cramps and possibly vomiting or a fever. Symptoms usually last five to ten days. E. coli is passed from person to person by hand-to-mouth contact after improper hand washing after using the washroom.

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The Health Unit is investigating E. coli like symptoms, which are currently affecting four children from one classroom at Sunset Park Public School on Lakeshore Drive. We are awaiting laboratory test results.

“As a precautionary measure we closed the Senior Kindergarten class in the French Immersion Program at Sunset Park Public School.” says Dr. Catherine Whiting, Medical Officer of Health. “Children in that classroom have been asked to stay home today (Wednesday November 12th 2008). Health Unit staff have been working to contact parents since last night to request that children in the affected classroom stay home for today.”

The Health Unit is working very closely with the Near North District School Board on this matter. The affected classroom and common areas will be thoroughly cleaned. Parents are also reminded to keep their children at home if they are sick.

Symptoms of E. coli include diarrhea (which may become bloody), severe stomach cramps and possibly vomiting or a fever. Symptoms usually last 5 to 10 days.

E. coli can be passed from person to person by hand to mouth contact after improper hand washing after using the washroom.

• Wash hands thoroughly, using soap and hot running water, before any food contact, and after any toileting or changing of diapers.

• Use a nailbrush and soap under hot running water to clean under fingernails. Rinse thoroughly.

• Clean bathroom taps, toilets, and doorknobs at least once every day with an antiseptic cleaner such as bleach and water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).

Anyone with questions or concerns about E. coli may contact:

• Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 day or night

• The Health Unit by phoning 474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

• Additional information about E. coli O157:H7 is online at www.healthunit.biz

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