In two Riga preschool educational institutions with a single food supplier, there are suspicions of salmonella infection, with two children hospitalized, confirmed to the LETA agency by the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CPCC), writes LETA.
The center indicated that the first symptoms of the disease appeared in the institutions on March 18, and the information was received on March 19, after which an epidemiological investigation was promptly initiated.
Currently, about 40 cases of illness have been identified — among both children and staff of the kindergartens. The number of cases may still increase, the CPCC acknowledges. Symptoms include diarrhea and high fever.
Two sick children have been hospitalized, while the others are receiving outpatient treatment.
The CPCC notes that preliminary data suggests a suspicion of salmonellosis; however, more accurate information will be available after the completion of laboratory tests next week.
It has been reported that cases of illness have been identified at the "Sprīdītis" kindergarten, which has also been confirmed by the CPCC, but the center does not disclose the second institution.
The Food and Veterinary Service (FVS) explained to the LETA agency that upon receiving information from the CPCC on Thursday, the service promptly conducted inspections both at the "Sprīdītis" kindergarten and at the food preparation site — the Riga 215th preschool institution on Usmas Street, since the food for "Sprīdītis" is delivered from there and not prepared on-site.
At the food preparation site and in the educational institution, the FVS collected samples of raw materials and surface swabs, which were sent for laboratory testing to determine various indicators of microbiological contamination.
The CPCC, which is conducting the epidemiological investigation, will be informed of the results.
Salmonellosis is an acute intestinal infection that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of the disease appear 6–72 hours after infection.
Signs of salmonellosis include high fever, nausea, vomiting, cramps and abdominal pain, diarrhea, and headache. In severe cases of the disease, especially in young children, significant fluid loss can lead to dehydration, which poses a life-threatening risk.
To avoid infection with acute intestinal infections, it is necessary to wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. Hands should be washed before eating and drinking, after using the toilet, before touching the eyes, nose, and mouth, as well as before and after treating wounds.
To remove contaminants and kill microbes, wet wipes or hand sanitizers can also be used.
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