Health officials in Iceland have identified the source of an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) that has sickened more than 20 children.
Officials found that the handling of ground meat during cooking at a kindergarten was inadequate.
The affected children are from Mánagarði kindergarten in Reykjavík’s Vesturbær district. More than 100 children visit the center. Landlaeknir (the Public Health Directorate) reported that 23 students have fallen ill and two are in intensive care.
Analysis of samples confirmed that E. coli O145 was found in stool samples from kindergarten children and in a sample of ground (chopped) meat. Sequencing of the bacteria’s genetic material showed that they were related, indicating that the origins were the same. Matis, a government-owned research company, tested the samples.
After interviews with the parents of children who became ill, the researchers’ attention turned to October 17. The Reykjavík Health Authority took samples of the food used to prepare the meals that day, including ground meat, vegetables, lentils, melons and oatmeal. and more.
Positive minced meat sample
All food samples were negative for E. coli, except the ground meat. Some children who normally do not eat meat also became ill. These patients may have been infected by other children.
The meat was a mixed beef and mutton mince from a company called Kjarnafæði. It did not go into general sale, but was sold to larger kitchens, such as restaurants, canteens and kindergartens.
The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) contacted the company when evidence pointed to the ground meat, and on the same day the company informed all lots that received ground meat from the same production batch used at the kindergarten. This showed that buyers had already used it in their activities. However, there are no confirmed reports of infections among other consumers.
The kindergarten is still closed. Healthcare representatives visited the site, reviewed procedures, assessed the situation and requested certain improvements. The kindergarten has been cleaned and the equipment has been disinfected. It has been decided to offer purchased food until further notice.
In 2023, a total of 14 people in Iceland were diagnosed with a confirmed or possible E. coli infection. This involved two children aged 1 and 11 and 12 adults aged 22 to 86.
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