High fever, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration: these are the symptoms experienced by dozens of students, teachers and family members involved in a food poisoning outbreak that affected some schools in Val Trompia, in the province of Brescia.
According to the data released so far, 89 people have shown symptoms, including several children attending nursery schools, nursery schools and primary schools in the area, as well as two teachers and some parents. 14 students were hospitalized, nine at the Spedali Civili of Brescia and five at the Poliassociazione: their conditions are stable and improving.
The analyzes indicate the presence of salmonella, but the causes are still to be ascertained. The first tests carried out on the young patients revealed in some cases the presence of salmonella, the bacterium responsible for various forms of foodborne infections. The result represents an important element for the investigations, but at the moment it is not yet possible to establish with certainty that the infection occurred through meals consumed in school canteens.
In fact, foods are still subjected to laboratory analyzes to verify whether they contain the same microorganism identified in patients.
Ats Brescia explained that a few more days will be needed to have a complete picture and understand the possible connection between the bacterium found in the affected people and that possibly present in the foods analyzed.
In the meantime, the cooking center that ended up at the center of the investigation was obviously stopped. The structure had prepared 219 meals on September 10th and another 210 on September 11th, intended for schools in Val Trompia.
Since 14 September, meals for the schools involved have been prepared by other cooking centres, while the Municipality of Gardone Valtrompia has temporarily suspended the canteen service in the schools involved.
The checks will continue in the next few days to identify the origin of the outbreak and establish any responsibilities.
