Investigation launched following suspected E-coli outbreak
Public health doctors have launched an investigation into suspected outbreak of E-coli in west Co Limerick.
It follows the discovery of an infection in a toddler who was admitted to Limerick Regional Hospital.
E-coli 157 is a form of gastroenteritis which can affect all age groups but young children and those with compromised immune systems are the most severely affected.
The HSE (Mid-west Area) has confirmed that the toddler at the centre of this scare was transferred to Temple Street Hospital in Dublin recently but has since been discharged following treatment and is now back at home in Limerick.
Follow up contact tracing revealed a number of positive samples in the area, which has not been named in the HSE statement.
One local creche has closed voluntarily and the local national school is also closed this week for the mid-term break.
Doctors are currently trying to find the source of the outbreak.
