SC Daycare Linked to E. Coli Outbreak

Just this week, DHEC released news that an outbreak of E. coli had been linked to The Learning Vine Daycare in Greenwood, SC. Currently, 7 children have been confirmed to have E. coli from this daycare and 1 resulted in death.

E. coli at a daycare? In 2015? Wow.

A similar outbreak happened back in 2000 at a KinderCare in California. The cause was determined to have been an employee using a sponge to clean a changing table and then that same sponge was used to clean a table where food was served. Five children were infected at this facility.

Such carelessness.

The current outbreak in SC happened when Myles Mayfield, a 2 year old attending The Learning Vine, became sick. He was hospitalized and diagnosed with E. Coli which lead to complications and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Unfortunately, Myles was not able to recover from the complications and passed away.

The Learning Vine voluntarily closed their doors shortly after the outbreak was said to be E. coli. DHEC has taken the appropriate steps to investigate the cause behind why this may have happened at this particular facility. 

If you are a parent, then you understand sometimes there is no way to escape daycare if you work full-time. Daycare is supposed to be a safe environment for babies and children to learn and grow. It is important for all parents to visit daycare centers before enrolling their children and make sure these facilities meet the DHEC standards.

If lunch is provided for your child while they attend daycare, make sure the facility has a permit to serve food. At any time, a parent has the right to visit their child’s daycare and observe the conditions to ensure their child is being cared for properly.

While most daycares are properly maintained and typically a safe and clean place for children, you can never be too safe!