8 Confirmed Infectious Disease Cases For Wis. School District
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A western Wisconsin school district investigating an outbreak of an infectious disease says there've been eight confirmed cases of Campylobacter infection in its students.
Previously, the Durand School District in Pepin County said there was only one student confirmed to have to the illness, while others were being tested. But officials released a statement Thursday saying there were seven additional cases, raising the total to eight.
The statement also said that some test results are still pending, which could raise the total even higher by mid-day Thursday.
The infection the students have is a result of Campylobacter bacteria, which cause an infectious disease with symptoms of diarrhea, cramping and fever. The bacteria are associated with unpasteurized dairy products, poultry, produce, and contaminated water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The district said that Campylobacter is a common cause of gastrointestinal illness in Wisconsin and that students with symptoms should not go to school.
On Wednesday, the district superintendent said 55 students stayed home.
School officials said that most of those affected by the infection are in the district's high school football programs, including coaches and managers.
The cause of the outbreak is under investigation.