Outbreak of Food Poisoning Occurred in Newton Pre-School with 3 Children Hospitalised

Outbreak. A feared notion that has terrorised the bulk of 2020…

And a word that seems insistent on ending 2020 on its own terms.

Outbreak of Food Poisoning Occurred in Newton Pre-School with 3 Children Hospitalised

Yet another outbreak has occurred in a pre-school in Newton. Though this time around, it’s not the usual suspect…

But instead an outbreak of salmonella and stomach flu that has erupted.

Three children from the afflicted school have been hospitalised, following the outbreak among its students aged between 18 months and six years old.

One of them has since been discharged on Tuesday (8 December 2020).

As of 8 December, there were four instances of salmonella, and 18 cases of stomach flu.

The cause has yet to be ascertained.

The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has been alerted to the situation. Kiddiwinkie Schoolhouse @ Newton, the affiliated school, has also reassured parents that the premises will be disinfected on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, affected parents felt that the school could have handled the issue in a better manner.

“There are five children who got sick in my condominium estate, another 10 in a condominium nearby and one more who is my friend’s child,” said a 39-year-old parent, whose two children are currently down with food poisoning.

“The first circular was sent only on Monday, a few days after my children had fallen ill. I initially thought my child’s fever and lethargy were brought about by the cold weather but it was much more serious. I would have acted sooner had I known about the outbreak,” she added.

Food Poisoning

Lest you’re unaware, consuming food tainted with the bacteria Salmonella Enteritidis could lead to diarrhoea, fever, vomiting and abdominal cramps.

It could even prove fatal for certain demographics – young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

Salmonella bacteria commonly dwell in animal and human intestines, and are released via feces. Infections could occur through infected foods such as raw meat or eggs, poultry, seafood, fruits or even vegetables.

On the other hand, stomach flu is normally caused by the norovirus that provokes the stomach and intestines. Typical symptoms entail diarrhoea or vomiting.

Previous Instances

Though rare, such cases of mass food poisoning incidents are not entirely non-existent.

One notable mention, for instance, would be that of the infamous 2018 Spize incident – sixty-three people fell ill after eating food prepared by the food establishment, and 45 had to be hospitalised.

An auxiliary officer passed away eight days later.

Consequently, the offending Spize outlet had its operating license taken away.

Earlier this month, Spize, as well as a related company, was fined $32,000 for the incident.

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