Salmonella outbreak hits Masarykova primary school in Prague

A significant salmonellosis outbreak has occurred at Masarykova základní škola in the Újezd nad Lesy district of Prague. Health authorities have confirmed the presence of Salmonella in four children, following a surge of gastrointestinal illnesses affecting at least 240 children and 10 adults.

Symptoms reported by students and staff include high fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. The outbreak has placed a heavy burden on local medical facilities; the infectious department at Bulovka Hospital has reached capacity and is no longer accepting new patients, while some children have been transferred to the intensive care unit at Thomayer Hospital in Krč.

Investigators from the Prague Hygiene Station (HSHMP) are focusing on the school's cafeteria, specifically a meal of carbonara-style spaghetti served on Monday. While the school director maintains that all technological food preparation procedures were followed, hygienists are unable to test the specific meal as the ingredients were consumed. Consequently, officials are working with suppliers to test specific batches of raw materials, particularly eggs, which are a common source of Salmonella.

The school has implemented a temporary closure for certain classes and is undergoing a complete disinfection of its premises and kitchen facilities.