5 babies hospitalized due to bacteria from petting zoo
The babies from a southern kibbutz have all contracted E. coli, presumably from the animals; the Health Ministry is running tests and has temporarily closed the kibbutz nursery.
Over the last few days, five babies from Kibbutz Nir Oz have been admitted to Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, after contracting the bacteria E. coli, which they apparently contracted from the kibbutz’s petting zoo.
The babies in the kibbutz routinely spend their days in the local nursery. So far, eight were found to have contracted the intestinal bacteria, with five of them admitted to the hospital.
One baby’s condition was initially found to be serious, but after being rushed to Soroka’s intensive care unit, his condition improved and is currently stable. Several other babies have also been hospitalized due to fever and diarrhea and are currently being monitored.
Soroka Medical Center reported that two of the babies had developed a rare complication of intestinal infection caused by the bacteria, which act to create a toxin that damages different systems in the body.
According to the head of Soroka’s pediatric intensive care unit, Dr. Tzahi Lazar, “the developing illness targets and destroys red blood cells and platelets, in addition to causing kidney damage and harm to other systems. It is treated through palliative care and monitoring.”
The Ministry of Health is currently running local tests and has ordered that the nursery be shut down for the time being. It will reopen after ruling out any fear of further infection.
That notwithstanding, the Ministry has already reported finding environmental and personal hygiene violations at the nursery.
A father whose son was admitted for monitoring told Ynet, “He’s been hospitalized for several days now, and we were told that it was apparently started by bacteria that originated from the kibbutz’s petting zoo. The boy is feeling well, and we’re hoping he will be released over the next few days. Unfortunately, the bacteria also attacked another baby from the kibbutz who I understand is in serious condition. We’re worried and praying for his health, and we’re hoping we can put this nightmare behind us.”
In addition to using animals as hosts, E. coli can also be found in the fecal matter of humans. A newborn baby could contract the bacteria in different ways: through the birth canal in cases of a prolonged delivery; through the placenta via the mother’s blood; due to a urinary tract infection of the mother; or through the digestive system.
In Israel, cases of mortality caused by the bacteria are extremely rare, however, cases of infection are not, with tens of babies contracting the bacteria every year.
