Two live adult cockroaches were observed on the sides of stainless steel equipment in the shared kitchen used by Calgary daycares dealing with an E. coli outbreak. ."The tin cat traps by the two separate two-compartment sinks had at least 20 cockroaches on the sticky pads each," said Alberta Health Services (AHS) in a Tuesday report. .AHS asked the shared kitchen to provide a pest control report demonstrating further treatments have been made and that the infestation has been abated. It will require it to ensure a pest control plans includes preventative measures to stop the spread of cockroaches into the daycares. .The pest control reports from June, July, and August did not mention the exact date the service was offered, which monitors had activity, where baits were applied, the brand and amount of chemical applied, and appropriate recommendations for abating infestation. .Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange expressed concerns to people harmed by the E. coli outbreak at certain Calgary daycares. .“This trying time undoubtedly has brought challenges and heartache for many families,” said LaGrange. .“I know that there are no words that I can offer that will change that feeling of powerlessness and fear that some parents are feeling.” .The number of cases of E. coli in Calgary daycares climbed on Wednesday as health officials scrambled to contain an outbreak that has sickened dozens of young children..READ MORE: Dozens of E. coli cases at Calgary daycare centres, 15 kids in hospital.AHS said as many as 50 children were affected by the outbreak at the time. Fifteen of them have been hospitalized. .AHS issued closure orders for 11 separate daycare facilities “until issues are resolved.”.Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called for a full assessment of the E. coli outbreak in Calgary daycares that had sickened the children on Sunday. .READ MORE: Smith wants ‘full assessment’ of Calgary E. Coli outbreak.“I’m sending my thoughts and prayers to all the children who’ve contracted E. coli in the recent outbreak,” said Smith. .“My heart also goes out to the families of these little ones.”.LaGrange said Alberta has the best frontline healthcare workers in the world. These healthcare workers are doing whatever they can to help. .She has been monitoring the situation closely and has received daily updates. While these workers are caring for the children, she said public health experts are investigating to determine what happened and how to stop an outbreak of this magnitude from repeating. .So far, she said the source is likely linked to a shared kitchen. What she does not know as this time is what in the kitchen caused it. .She called this information “an important piece to the puzzle on how to move forward.” The Alberta government will wait to see what the results of the investigation reveal. .LaGrange assured people the Alberta government is committed to getting to the bottom of this. The health and safety of all children is her top priority. .Alberta Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton said he cannot imagine the stress these families are experiencing or the worry they are facing. .“Know that all Albertans, including our government, are here to support you,” said Turton. .“As a parent myself, having gone through the daycare system, I know that having seriously ill children is every parent’s worst nightmare.” .Turton assured people childcare in Alberta remains safe and of the highest quality. As long as AHS issues approvals and children and staff remain healthy and continue to test negative, impacted childcare programs will soon be able to reopen their doors and return to full capacity. .Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mark Joffe said AHS does thorough inspections of food facilities at least once per year to prevent risks. .“Due to the vigilance of our public health inspectors, it is not unusual for violations to be found during an inspection,” said Joffe. .“The public health inspectors considers the responsiveness of the operator, the willingness to address any issues that might be found, as well as the specifics when conducting their overall risk assessment.” .During the latest inspection one week ago, Joffe said there were three critical violations identified. These violations related to food handling, sanitation, and pest control.
