Prepared for School Safety: Guiding Parents on Safeguarding Kids from Harmful Eczema Outbreaks

As the new school year begins on Monday for 164,000 children and young people in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, concerns about the high risk of EHEC infection and subsequent severe illness are on the rise. As of September 5, there were a total of 45 EHEC cases reported in the region.

To prevent the spread of EHEC, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) have issued several recommendations.

Firstly, EHEC-infected individuals should not work in or attend kindergartens and child care facilities until they have a negative stool test result. This advice is given to prevent EHEC bacteria from causing illness in children.

Secondly, the RKI advises washing hands in between food preparation to prevent EHEC contamination. Hygiene rules include washing hands with soap after every contact with animals, and this advice is relevant for contacts with animals in petting zoos or on farms.

Thirdly, the RKI advises against preparing raw meat and other foods intended for consumption at the same time. To prevent EHEC, ensure that cooked food, especially meat, reaches a core temperature of at least 70°C for ten minutes.

Avoiding certain practices can also help prevent EHEC. The RKI advises against visiting petting zoos or farms if you are experiencing symptoms of EHEC infection. Additionally, the consumption of raw milk or unpasteurized dairy products should be avoided to prevent EHEC infection.

Animal-derived foods, such as meat, liver sausage, sausage, and dairy products, should be refrigerated. Salads should also be stored in the refrigerator to prevent EHEC contamination.

The RKI further advises against using the same utensils and work surfaces for raw and cooked food, unless they have been thoroughly cleaned. The institute also advises milk should only be consumed after heat treatment.

Parents are advised to educate their children about the infection and demonstrate hygiene rules. Washing hands helps prevent bacteria from getting into the mouth from hands.

As parents take their children back to daycare, they too are affected by these concerns. It is essential to adhere to these preventive measures to ensure the safety and health of all children in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Approximately 14,300 first-graders are starting school this year, and their well-being is of utmost importance.

Prepared for School Safety: Guiding Parents on Safeguarding Kids from Harmful Eczema Outbreaks