School children are recovering following a salmonella outbreak in Canterbury.
The infestion is being investigated by the Kent Health Protection Unit.
The HPU is working with environmental health officers in Dover and Canterbury to investigate two clusters of cases of an unusual strain of salmonella.
So far, seven cases of Salmonella typhimurium PT U319 have been confirmed by laboratory tests in children living in the Canterbury area. Onset of these cases was mid December-mid January.
A further seven cases are suspected but not confirmed and are being investigated. Onset of the illness in the suspected cases was mid January onwards and links between the two clusters and possible sources of infection are being investigated. All the children affected are recovering.
Letters have been sent to GPs in the area, advising them of the outbreak so any further reports of similar illness can be investigated.
Letters are also being sent to parents of children attending three nurseries and a primary school in the area where cases have been reported among pupils. As a precaution, deep cleaning will be recommended.
Director of the Kent Health Protection Unit, Dr Mathi Chandrakumar, said: “This is an unusual type of salmonella.
"I am pleased that all the children affected appear to be recovering. As a precautionary measure we are recommending deep cleaning, especially in the nursery environment because transmission is more likely with younger children.
"As always, good hand hygiene is important to help reduce the risk of transmitting this infection.”
POSTED: 11/02/2010 12:30:00
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