Salmonellosis suspected in two kindergartens in Riga, two children hospitalised

RIGA - Two pre-school educational institutions (PII) in Riga with one caterer are suspected of having salmonellosis, and two children have been hospitalized, the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) confirmed to LETA.

The center informed that the first symptoms of the disease appeared in the educational establishments on March 18, but the CDC received the information on March 19 and immediately started an epidemiological investigation.

So far, about 40 cases have been detected, both among children and staff of the kindergartens. The number of cases may still increase, the CDC said. Symptoms of the disease include diarrhea and high fever.

Two children have been hospitalized and the rest are receiving outpatient treatment.

Several pre-school children from different pre-school institutions are currently being treated at the Children's Clinical University Hospital for symptoms of intestinal infections. Two of these children have confirmed salmonellosis, but their condition is not critical at the moment, LETA learned from the hospital.

The CDC said that after preliminary tests, salmonellosis is suspected, but more precise information will be available after all laboratory tests next week.

According to the Delfi portal, cases have been detected at Spriditis day-care center, which is also confirmed by the CDC, but the center does not disclose the other educational establishment.

The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) explained to LETA that after receiving information from the CDC on Thursday, the service quickly carried out inspections both at the Spriditis pre-school and at the food preparation site at the pre-school educational institution No. 215 in Riga because the food at Spriditis pre-school is delivered from this institution and not prepared on site.

The results will be communicated to the CDC, which is conducting the epidemiological investigation.