E. coli cases quickly increase in outbreak associated with St. Louis County school

The patient count for an E. coli outbreak among students at a St. Louis County high school has jumped from 19 to 69 overnight.

County health officials say the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak is limited so far to students, parents and staff who attended two off-campus events. The implicated patients are all associated with Rockwood Summit High School, according to the health department.

On Nov. 14 the health department was reporting 19 patients, but that increased to 69 by Nov. 15. So far all of the sick people are associated with two events.

One of the events was an end-of-season band banquet. Health officials are not yet reporting what the other event was. The band event was hosted by Andre’s Banquets and Catering, but officials have not identified what exact food was contaminated. The business has been cooperating with the health department. 

The health department has said that the school itself is not the source of the E. coli. School officials are taking steps to deep clean the campus.

About E. coli infections
Students, staff and parents associated with Rockwood High School, or anyone who hosted people from the school, who have developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure to the bacteria. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor. 

Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients. 

People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.

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