Editor’s note: This story has been updated after Fueling Brains Academy said they were advised the child who initially tested positive does not have E. coli.
A Calgary daycare that was closed Wednesday afternoon will reopen following an E. coli scare involving a child who attends the facility.
Late Thursday night, Fueling Brains Academy told parents in an e-mail that the West 85th campus would reopen on Monday.
“After further testing, we were advised that the child who initially tested positive does not have E. coli.”
Fueling Brains Academy had earlier told parents that a one-year-old child at the West 85th campus had tested positive for E. coli. prompting the closure of the facility.
“We did not hesitate to take swift action, and we will do so again if necessary to protect our children and families,” the academy said in the e-mail.
“We are thankful to our families for their patience over the past couple of days. We recognize the inconvenience and concern this caused, but we are glad that our processes kept the community safe.”
Global News reached out to Fueling Brains Academy following the e-mail to parents but, as of Thursday night, had not received a response. Global News has also reached out to Alberta Health Services, who was not able to confirm the child did not have E. coli.
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In September 2023, an E. coli outbreak was declared for six Fueling Brains locations, including West 85th, along with five additional sites that share a central kitchen.
“It’s always triggering for those of use that went through such a traumatic experience in the fall,” said Sarah MacDonald, a parent of a child at Fueling Brains’ new Brighton campus.
MacDonald’s son was among more than 350 people affected by what became the largest outbreak of E.coli traced back to a single food source last September.
Many parents participated in an external review of food safety practices initiated by the province. While an interim report was expected by the end of 2023, parents still haven’t heard any results, MacDonald said.
“We have not seen anything official that tells us what happened,” she said. “It’s incredibly frustrating to have a child injured to that degree and still have no answers almost a year later is really difficult.”
Fueling Brains told Global News that safety remains a top priority.
Andrea Smith, press secretary for Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange, issued a similar statement.
“The safety and well-being of children attending child care programs is a top priority for Alberta’s government,” she told Global News in a statement.
“We have received the report from the Food Safety and Licensed Facility-Based Child Care Review Panel and are currently reviewing the recommendations. We will have more to say soon.”
Two food inspection reports conducted this year by AHS at the West 85th campus found no violations.
The academy had asked parents to avoid taking their children to other daycares for the rest of the week.
Staff had also asked parents and children from the West 85th campus not to attend its Calgary Stampede event on Friday, but in their statement said “For those joining us for the Stampede Parade, we look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
According to AHS, the predominant symptom associated with E. coli is diarrhea, which may be bloody.
Symptoms usually start one to 10 days after eating food contaminated with the E. coli bacteria.
Most people who get sick from E. coli improve on their own within 10 days, but children, seniors and the immunocompromised are at greater risk of complications.
Parents should take their child to a doctor immediately or call 811 if they begin showing symptoms.
— with files from Sarah Offin, Global News
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