The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has provided the following update to a E. coli investigation at Learning Vine Daycare in Greenwood County:

  • At this time, DHEC has confirmed eleven (11) cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in Greenwood County. The cases involve individuals at The Learning Vine childcare facility and their family members.
  • As of today, 186 test results are negative for STEC. The three new laboratory-confirmed cases are in individuals who either previously had symptoms of diarrheal illness or were asymptomatic, but who are all now symptom-free.
  • There is no evidence of ongoing transmission related to this investigation, and there has been no new onset of illness in students or staff of the daycare since June 1, 2015.
  • DHEC is continuing to collect and test samples for laboratory analysis. Information resulting from this investigation will be provided as it is confirmed, and in accordance with state and federal law.

As part of this ongoing investigation, DHEC today continued to:

  • Collect and test samples for laboratory analysis
  • Notify individuals of their test results and answer any questions of those affected
  • Provide updated guidance to individuals affected by the investigation
  • Operate a hotline (1-800-868-0404) to provide assistance to those affected
  • Scheduled a private, one-on-one informational session for those affected
  • Work with the CDC, FDA and the childcare facility to investigate the mode of transmission in an effort to stop the spread of the infection
  • DHEC to hold information forum in Greenwood 6/13/15

Learning Vine on Overland Drive in Greenwood shut down voluntarily on Monday.  The closure followed the death of 2-year-old Myles Mayfield, of Greenwood, who died from hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition associated with E. coli that can lead to kidney failure.

Site reviews conducted by the state Department of Social Services’ Division of Early Care and Education June 4 found 12 violations at Learning Vine, according to results posted on the DSS website.

The violation areas pending correction are:

– Diaper changing, 24-month and younger room (x2)

– Improper medication practices

– Sanitation violations (x3)

– Facility restrooms (x2)

– Feeding, 24-month and younger room

– Food safety/menu

– Posted information

– Other health and safety

Learning Vine has a “C” in the DSS Division of Early Care and Education ABC Quality voluntary rating and improvement program, meaning it meets basic requirement, but C is the lowest of grades in the rating program.

Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of E. coli outbreaks and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The E. coli lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of E. coli and other foodborne illness infections and have recovered over $600 million for clients. Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation. Our E. coli lawyers have litigated E. coli and HUS cases stemming from outbreaks traced to ground beef, raw milk, lettuce, spinach, sprouts, and other food products. The law firm has brought E. coli lawsuits against such companies as Jack in the Box, Dole, ConAgra, Cargill, and Jimmy John’s. We have proudly represented such victims as Brianne Kiner, Stephanie Smith and Linda Rivera.