Tuesday, thirty were hospitalized when 86 children became ill from a food borne illness at Sunny Side Day Care Center. Samples taken from four of the food being served that day at the day care center were tested and were positive for Staphylococcus Aureus toxin.
The Alabama Department of Public Health made an investigation. During the examination, they found out that two day care centers South Court Street and Norman Bridge Road are serving food that are positive with the said toxin. The two centers are still closed until the investigation is over.
Attorney Joe Hubbard already filed a lawsuit against the day care center in Montgomery County Circuit Court.
According to Montgomery The lawsuit stated, "the day care ceter acted with gross neglect and reckless disregard to the health and welfare of the children in its preparation, transportation, serving, and storing of food, has failed to properly hire, train, and supervise staff and has failed to implement the policies and procedures necessary to provide a clean, safe, and sanitary environment for children."
During the press conference on Thursday, State Health Officer Don Williamson said, "clinical samples were all negative for Norovirus and are being tested for other enteric pathogens such as Salmonella, Shigella and E. coli. Laboratory test results are pending."
He also added, out of eight food tested, are positive of Staphylococcus toxin and the ongoing investigation focuses on the issue of the children that are still in the hospital. They still have nine remaining food samples that need to be tested and they are due to get the result by Friday.
Williamson also said, Staph toxin, can cause illness from as early as 30 minutes to a few hours after exposure.
The children who were taken to the hospital because of the toxin have symptoms that include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and lethargy.
While the investigation is ongoing, parents are advised to follow the released guidelines of the Health Department for the safety of their children and day care centers remain closed until the investigation is done.
Only two children remain hospitalized as of Thursday.
