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| A food poisoning scandal involving a kindergarten in Ansan Gyeonggi Province is growing fast, with 15 children showing symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which can be deadly./ Yonhap |
By Kim Se-jeong
A food poisoning scandal involving a kindergarten in Ansan Gyeonggi Province is growing fast, with 15 children showing symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which can be deadly.
HUS can be caused by enterohemorrhagic e-coli, a subset of e-coli virus, often found in under-cooked food and especially meat products. In children the condition can result in acute kidney failure.
As of Friday, according to the local health center, a total of 295 were tested for the bacteria, among whom 49 were positive while 99 are awaiting results. According to local news outlets, four were receiving dialysis treatment.
"We're currently monitoring the condition of children undergoing treatment and looking into the transmission route," said a local health center official. The kindergarten is currently closed.
The scandal broke out on Thursday after almost 100 children and teachers at the kindergarten complained of food poisoning. Around one third of those affected were hospitalized.
On Friday, a parent of one of the victims took to the Cheong Wa Dae online petition site to complain about the kindergarten.
"What have I done wrong? I've only sent my child to the kindergarten. My child has bloody stools."
The mother also criticized the kindergarten for embezzlement, adding, "The kindergarten director was found to have used the institute's money personally. I want people to know about the director's corrupt behavior. Please show your support. My daughter, I am sorry. What if I had not sent you there?"
