Statement from Chief Medical Officer of Health

Dr. Mark Joffe, Chief Medical Officer of Health, issued the following statement on the E. Coli situation in Calgary:

“It has come to my attention that five additional daycare sites have had children attend who have tested positive for E. Coli. Some of these children are connected to daycares from the original outbreak. These additional facilities will be closed, out of an abundance of caution. Facilities will be required to be cleaned and sanitized and all children will be tested to confirm their negative status before returning to the centre. All facility operators have been contacted, and parents of these facilities will be directly notified as soon as possible by the operators working with Alberta Health Services.

“The six additional sites are:

• Active Start Country Hills
• CanCare Childcare – Scenic Acres location
• CEFA Early Learning Childcare North
• MTC Daycare
• Renert Junior Kindergarten
• Calgary JCC Child Care

“Additionally, Vik Academy is again closed for precaution pending testing results. This facility was part of the original closures.

“To all the parents involved in this terrible situation – we hear you and understand what you are going through. However, it is crucial for parents who have children who attend these daycares follow the guidance being given to them by health care professionals. If your daycare is closed, please respect why this is done and keep your children at home. Only send your child to another facility if they have tested negative for E. Coli and have no symptoms.

“To all daycare operators in the Calgary region – please confirm the health and daycare history of children who are new to your facility.

“By working together and following health guidance, we will stop this outbreak.

“Parents and staff from all impacted daycares involved are being provided with information about what to do if they or their children experience symptoms, test positive, or have concerns about the health and safety of their child. If your child is experiencing more severe symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea, they should be taken to an emergency department immediately.

“E. Coli is a highly transmissible bacteria that can be spread by food or water sources, or by hand to mouth contact. Some secondary transmission is common and expected in significant outbreaks such as this.”

The original 11 sites that were closed are:

• Fueling Brains Braeside
• Fueling Brains West 85th
• Fueling Brains New Brighton
• Fueling Brains Centennial
• Fueling Brains McKnight
• Kidz Space
• Vik Academy in Okotoks
• Fueling Brains Bridgeland
• Little Oak Early Education (formerly Mangrove)
• Almond Branch School
• Braineer Academy