E. Coli Outbreak in Calgary Daycares Shows Signs of Leveling Off
The number of E. coli cases linked to an outbreak in Calgary daycares that began in late August seems to be reaching a plateau, according to Alberta Health Services (AHS). AHS considers this to be a positive sign that the initial wave of infections has peaked. Meanwhile, the official Opposition is calling for an independent inquiry into the outbreak, which infected hundreds of children with a preventable disease. However, the premier is standing by her decision to include the investigation of the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak in the province’s review of its COVID-19 response.
AHS reported that there have been 348 lab-confirmed cases connected to the outbreak, with six new cases since Saturday and 11 since Friday. Of these cases, 27 have been secondary infections, an increase of four from Saturday. However, as of Sunday, there have been no additional confirmed secondary transmissions. Calgary-area hospitals currently have nine patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe outcome affecting the kidneys and blood, down 12 from Saturday. Three of these patients require dialysis, half the number from Saturday. AHS states that there are clear indications that the outbreak related to the initial exposure has reached its peak.
Seven daycares remain closed due to suspicions that children from the outbreak attended these facilities. There are ongoing restrictions on some children and staff at MTC Daycare until they test negative for E. coli and show symptom relief. A total of 642 children connected to the outbreak have been cleared to return to daycares.
The Alberta NDP is calling for an independent public inquiry into the outbreak, citing concerns about health inspection processes and the adequacy of communication to parents. Diana Batten, MLA for Calgary-Acadia and Opposition critic for child care and child and family services, emphasizes the need for external objectivity in the investigation. She refers to the Walkerton Inquiry following the E. coli outbreak in Ontario in 2000 as a precedent. Preston Manning, former leader of the Reform Party, has been tasked with reviewing the Public Health Act as part of the ongoing COVID-19 response review. His involvement has been met with criticism, as he has previously denied science and spread conspiracy theories surrounding the pandemic.
Premier Smith, however, is committed to investigating the outbreak as part of the broader review led by Manning. She suggests considering changes to food handling certification requirements to enhance food safety. Smith also announced that parents affected by the outbreak would receive $2,000 per child in compassionate compensation, and refunds would be provided for missed daycare days. The kitchen suspected to be the source of the outbreak remains closed, and the daycare operators are working on tuition and refund arrangements with affected families.
While some parents affected by the outbreak express a desire for consequences for the parties responsible, others question the decision to allow daycares to reopen in the midst of an E. coli outbreak. AHS confirms that efforts are being made to address these concerns and that discussions are ongoing to ensure the safety of children in daycare facilities.
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