An outbreak of salmonellosis is spreading, affecting two kindergartens in Rīga that shared a caterer. More than a hundred cases have been reported, but 10 children are in such serious condition that they require hospitalisation. Experts currently believe that a food product is to blame, Latvian Radio reports on 24th March.
The Disease Prevention and Control Centre (SPKC) reported that the number of infected people has reached 120. These include both children and adults. And the investigation into the outbreak at two Riga preschools is ongoing. One of them is the “Sprīdītis” preschool.
SPKC representative Ilze Ūdre noted that the results of all tests have not yet been received, so the investigation is ongoing, and it is currently difficult to predict how soon this investigation will conclude. However, it is already clear that the main cause of the outbreak is the salmonella bacterium.
Ūdre said: “On March 19, the SPKC received the first report of four cases of acute intestinal infection at two preschool institutions in Riga. An epidemiological investigation was also launched, and laboratory testing of [food] samples was organised. Based on the initial laboratory results received on Monday, we see that the main cause of this outbreak is salmonella. Other pathogens have also been detected—both norovirus and rotavirus.”
Meanwhile, the Children’s Hospital reported that 10 kindergarten-aged children had been admitted to their facility. In six cases, salmonellosis has been confirmed, and the children are in moderately serious condition.
The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) announced on Tuesday morning that the investigation is ongoing; however, the agency had already reported on Friday, March 20, that the operations of the food service provider SIA “Fristar” had been suspended until the investigation is complete.
This illness currently poses no risk to the rest of the public.
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