RIGA, April 7 (Xinhua) -- An outbreak of E. coli in Latvia has affected dozens, mostly children, with six currently in intensive care at the Children's Clinical University Hospital, local media reported Monday.
Since the outbreak began, 30 children have been hospitalized at the Children's Clinical University Hospital, 14 of whom have since recovered and been discharged, LETA news agency said, quoting the hospital representatives.
In total, 57 E. coli cases have been confirmed in the country, including seven in adults.
The Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) said it is investigating multiple possible sources of the outbreak. Epidemiologists are working closely with affected schools, preschools, and general practitioners monitoring severe intestinal symptoms.
Early findings suggest at least two sources of infection. The Health Ministry reported that sequencing of patient samples shows multiple strains of the bacteria from different origins.
The CDC is also coordinating with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to guide containment measures.
Experts believe the infections likely originated within educational institutions. So far, there is no evidence of the infection spreading beyond these settings.
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