Brisbane daycare kids exposed to ‘unknown substance’ in lunch
Paramedics have treated a number of children at a Brisbane childcare centre after they were exposed to an “unknown substance” in their lunch.
Early Education
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Several children at a Brisbane childcare centre were assessed by paramedics on Thursday afternoon after being exposed to an “unknown substance”.
Queensland Ambulance Service were called to Milestones Early Learning Keperra about 12.30pm when more than 10 children were suffering a range of reactions after ingesting a substance in their lunch.
A letter to parents on Thursday afternoon said all children had been exposed to an unknown substance in their lunch and were having minor reactions.
“These have included redness to face and body, swelling to lips and face, irritation/ agitation,” the letter read.
In a text message sent to parents just before 2pm, the centre asked that their children be picked up as soon as possible.
“Dear families, please make arrangements to pick up your child as soon as possible from Milestones Early Learning Keperra.
“Several children have presented with an unknown skin rash.
“Medical advice is being strictly followed including advice to families to pick up children.”
A spokeswoman from QAS said paramedics were still on scene, but none of the children needed to be taken to hospital by ambulance.
All children were stable.
Parents were tight-lipped about the incident, with most saying they did not want to discuss it.
One young mother confirmed some children had experienced rashes, but said it was minor and she did not know what had caused the problem.
A father said his boy was fine as he had not eaten lunch.
“It’s a good centre. We’ve been here for over a year and there have been no problems,’’ said the man, who declined to be named.
Three ambulance vehicles and several Queensland Health vehicles attended the centre, but all had left by 4.30pm when the last children were collected and staff began to leave for the day.
A spokesperson for Milestones Early Learning Keperra said: “All safety policies and medical advice have been strictly followed, and the cause of the rash is being investigated thoroughly.
“The Department of Health have advised that the centre is approved to reopen.
“We are advised by Queensland Ambulance Service and impacted families that the majority of children’s rash symptoms disappeared within a short period of time.
“Notwithstanding that, we will remain in close contact with families overnight and parents who observe any symptoms should follow the current advice of the medical authorities and either present to hospital or call triple-0.
“We are committed to upholding the safety and wellbeing of all children in our care and will provide updates to families as and when available.”
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