Voorburg playground closed for tests after 20+ kids fall ill with suspected E. coli

Health authorities have begun testing the playground Opa’s Veldje in Voorburg after at least 23 children from two local primary schools fell ill following visits last week. The children suffered severe gastrointestinal symptoms including stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, raising concerns about a possible E. coli outbreak linked to the playground.

A concerned parent and neighbor reported the cluster of illnesses, suggesting a connection to E. coli bacteria, which can be found in playground sand and surface water.

The municipal government of Leidschendam-Voorburg said it is still unclear whether the illnesses are directly linked to the playground. “Of course, we do not want to take any risks with the health of children,” the municipality said.

As a precaution, the municipal health service (GGD Haaglanden) is collecting samples from the playground. The waterslide and drinking water tap have been temporarily closed during the investigation.

Water company Dunea, which manages the drinking water tap, has already conducted its own testing and expects results within days. A spokeswoman said the playground’s water feature operates by pumping groundwater manually and is not connected to the drinking water system. The municipality maintains the equipment.

The spokeswoman also reported hearing that around 30 children may have fallen ill, more than the number confirmed by the municipality. No timeline has been set for the release of the GGD test results.