Huntley High School students and staff are urged to take precautions as E. coli outbreak continues to be investigated

HUNTLEY — In a joint press release statement between McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) Community Information Coordinator Nick Kubiak and Huntley Community School District 158 (D158) Director of Communications Denise Barr, it was reported that both parties are working collaboratively to respond to a recent outbreak of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC) at Huntley High School (13719 Harmony Road).

As of Sept. 21, there have been at least six confirmed cases of STEC, all of which involve students, according to MCDH and D158.

The first case was identified on Sunday, Sept. 17, with officials adding that there is insufficient evidence to specifically pinpoint the source of the illness. MCDH is actively monitoring for potential cases, stated Kubiak.

As of current, there are no other known cases of STEC in McHenry County outside of the outbreak at Huntley High School.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), STEC bacteria live in the intestines of people and animals and can be transmitted in various ways, including eating foods that are contaminated with feces from an infected animal, from environmental contamination, from cross-contamination in a kitchen, or eating foods that were prepared by someone who is sick with STEC.

The bacteria can also be transmitted by swallowing water while swimming or drinking water contaminated with STEC.

In a letter to parents, students, and staff, D158 officials reiterated that the situation is being taken seriously and that the safety and well-being of students and staff are of the utmost importance.

As Huntley High School officials continue to cooperate with MCDH, given the highly contagious nature of E. coli, students are strongly encouraged to practice frequent handwashing.

IDPH explains that some STEC infections occur when the bacteria passes from the stool or soiled fingers of one person to the mouth of another person either through food handling or direct contact.

Washing with soap and water before preparing or eating foods, having contact with animals or their environment, and after using the bathroom is therefore an effective way to prevent STEC infections.

Huntley High School science teachers have additionally been providing students with essential information about E. coli.

Furthermore, the school has taken proactive measures to ensure a safe environment, including the posting of handwashing signage throughout the school and the provision of readily accessible hand sanitizer stations in all classrooms and common areas.

Symptoms of STEC will typically develop within three to four days after being exposed, but it can take longer to notice signs of infection, according to IDPH. Symptoms and characteristics of STEC include the following:

Diarrhea (often bloody)

Fever

Abdominal cramping and body aches

Vomiting

Headaches

Most individuals infected with STEC will begin to feel better within five to 10 days from the onset of the illness when paired with fluids and rest. IDPH recommends those infected with STEC avoid antibiotics and antidiarrheal medicines because they can prolong or worsen symptoms.

As a final takeaway, MCDH states that to prevent the infection from further spreading, in addition to handwashing, individuals should avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes, and untreated swimming pools; as well as washing and cooking foods properly. Individuals should also avoid unpasteurized (raw) dairy products and juices.

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