E. coli Outbreak at Suburban Chicago High School Linked to Cases Across U.S.
An E. coli outbreak at Huntley High School in suburban Chicago has been linked to nearly two dozen other cases in the U.S. spanning at least 10 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The McHenry County Health Department has declared the outbreak over, with no new cases reported in the last 20 days.
The outbreak consisted of at least nine cases of the Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli, and is now connected to a larger multistate outbreak of at least 22 cases in 10 states. The source of the outbreak has yet to be identified, but officials believe it could be linked to a common food or water source.
E. coli is an extremely contagious bacteria, and can be spread by swallowing contaminated water while swimming, person-to-person contact, or contact with animals carrying the bacteria. Symptoms of E. coli typically include an acute onset of diarrhea and/or vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, fever and body aches, all of which can last for 5-to-10 days. The illness often has an incubation period of 2-to-10 days.
Dr. Irfan Hafiz, chief medical officer at Northwestern McHenry, Huntley, and Woodstock Hospitals, said that outbreaks like this are not uncommon. “Sometimes we get these clusters of cases, and these outbreaks that occur within the communities,” said Hafiz. “That’s what we’re seeing in the Huntley community right now.”
Hafiz said that the cause of such outbreaks is typically a “common food source or water source.” He added that contaminated meats, fruits, vegetables, and pool water that is not completely chlorinated can all be potential sources of the bacteria.
The McHenry County Health Department has issued a press release urging anyone who experiences symptoms of E. coli to stay home until they are symptom-free for at least 48 hours. They also advise people to take precautions to prevent the spread of the bacteria, such as washing hands and avoiding contact with food if they are experiencing symptoms.
The outbreak at Huntley High School is a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses. While the source of the outbreak has yet to be identified, it is clear that the spread of E. coli can be prevented with proper hygiene and sanitation.
