3-12-2024 (SINGAPORE) An outbreak of gastroenteritis at Little Seeds Preschool has resulted in 24 children falling ill, with seven requiring hospitalisation, authorities confirmed on Monday.
In a joint statement, Singapore’s Ministry of Health, Food Agency, and Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) reported that four of the hospitalised children have since been discharged, while three remain in stable condition. The outbreak appears to be isolated to the Calvary Baptist Church branch, with no similar cases reported at other Little Seeds locations.
Anglican Preschool Services (APS), which operates the facility, confirmed three cases have tested positive for salmonella, a bacteria typically found in raw meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. The infection can cause symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
The preschool has implemented immediate preventive measures, including the suspension of communal activities since 26 November and mandatory mask-wearing for staff and children above pre-nursery age. The facility’s kitchen operations have been temporarily halted, with meals now being sourced from external caterers.
“Our primary focus is supporting the affected children’s recovery and collaborating with authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly,” an APS spokesperson said. The school has intensified its hygiene protocols, increasing the frequency of hand washing and enhancing premises sanitisation.
ECDA officials are closely monitoring the situation and have reminded the centre to adhere to Ministry of Health guidelines to prevent further spread. The agency emphasised that all preschools must comply with food hygiene requirements outlined in the Early Childhood Development Centres Code of Practice.
