E. Coli Outbreak Confirmed At Huntley High

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Local public health officials are monitoring a recent outbreak of E. coli at Huntley High School, which has sickened at least six students, health officials said Thursday.

The first case of the "Shiga-Toxin Producing E. coli" was reported on Sunday, and public health officials have not yet identified the source of the illness, according to a news release from the McHenry County Department of Health.

As of Thursday, there were six confirmed cases of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli, and all are Huntley High School students, public health officials said.

The health department is actively monitoring for more cases, and there are no other known cases outside of this outbreak.

Huntley High School officials are fully cooperating with the MCDH as they continue their investigation into potential exposures, both internally and externally, as the source of the outbreak has not yet been identified.

Given the highly contagious nature of E. coli, students are being encouraged to practice frequent hand-washing. In addition to this, Huntley High School science teachers have been providing students with essential information about E. coli.

The school has also posted hand-washing signage throughout the school and has provided readily accessible hand sanitizer stations in all classrooms and common areas.

Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli is a bacterial infection known to cause gastrointestinal illness in humans. This strain of E. coli bacteria grows and lives in the intestines of people and animals. Transmission of STEC can occur due to contact with contaminated food, contaminated water, people, and animals.

Symptoms and characteristics of STEC include: diarrhea, which is often bloody; fever; abdominal cramping and body aches; vomiting; and headaches.

Symptoms typically start within three to four days of exposure but may take up to ten days to develop. Most people infected with STEC feel better within five to ten days from the onset of the illness with rest fluids.

To prevent and stop the spread of infection, the MCDH recommends washing hands with soap and water when preparing and eating food, having contact with animals or their environment, and after bathroom use or changing a diaper; avoiding swallowing water from ponds, lakes, and untreated swimming pools; and washing and cooking foods properly and avoid unpasteurized (raw) dairy products and juices, according to the news release.

Those infected should not handle, prepare, or cook food for others until 48 hours after symptoms have resolved, according to health officials.