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E. coli infections temporarily close Monroe preschool, 2 children hospitalized

MONROE, Wash. — E. coli infections have temporarily closed down a Monroe preschool.

Two young children have been hospitalized “due to complications from a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection,” officials with the Snohomish Health District said in a release.

The Monroe Montessori School is located at 733 Village Way in Monroe, Washington. District health officials say they are working closely with the Department of Early Learning and the school in order to get over 60 potentially exposed children and staff members tested.

"The exact source of contamination in E. coli can be very difficult to identify, but at this point, we believe the children were likely exposed to livestock near their home," Dr. Gary Goldbaum, health officer and director of the Snohomish Health District, said in the release. "The school has been cooperating fully as we work with the families and improve existing policies and procedures to prevent these incidents from happening in the future."

District health officials say around 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli O157 infection develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids are signs of the development of HUS. [Read more here.]

"Our thoughts go out to the families affected by this exposure," Department of Early Learning assistant director Frank Ordway said in the release. "Child health and safety is our highest priority. We plan to comply and assist with the Department of Health and the Snohomish Health District as they work to get one of our exceptional early learning providers back to serving this community's children."