Contact
Hrólfur Sigurðsson
Project Manager
hrolfur@matis.is
On the 4th of July it was reported, that four children were diagnosed with a serious infection caused by the E. coli bacterium. An additional six children aged 20 months to 12 have now been diagnosed, bringing the total to ten cases. These six children are not seriously ill but will be monitored at the Hringur Children's Hospital in the next few days. The children who were diagnosed last week are on the road to recovery.
It now seems clear that nine of the children became infected at the tourist town of Efstadalur 2 in Bláskógabyggð 10 days to three weeks ago, but one child was probably infected by his siblings. Studies have shown that the E. coli bacterium that infected children is also found in faecal samples from local calves. It is not known for sure how the infection spread to the children, but further research into possible local transmission routes is still ongoing. Heilbrigðiseftirlit Suðurlands and Matvælastofnun took appropriate measures on 4 July in good cooperation with local authorities to prevent further spread of the bacterium.
It should be emphasized that it is not believed that the infection took place with water in Bláskógabyggð and there is no indication that the infection originated elsewhere in the countryside.
Individuals who have visited the tourism industry in the past two weeks and experienced diarrhea within 10 days of the visit are encouraged to consult their physician for further diagnosis. Asymptomatic individuals who have visited Efstadalur 2 do not need to see a doctor, nor do individuals who have experienced diarrhea that has now passed.
All parties involved in the case want to reiterate that this epidemic of E. coli is being taken very seriously and everyone has made an effort to inform this issue and take appropriate measures to prevent further infection. This event also provides an opportunity to emphasize the importance of general hygiene and hand washing in food handling and after dealing with animals, especially when children are involved.
Epidemiologist
Matvælastofnun
Heilbrigðiseftirlit Suðurlands
Matís
Department of Pathology and Virology at Landspítali