FENTON, Mo. — The St. Louis County Department of Public Health is investigating an E. coli outbreak affecting parents, students and guests of Rockwood Summit High School.
The department said Friday as of 12:30 p.m., 69 cases have been identified.
The department said individuals who tested positive for E. coli attended two separate events hosted at or catered through Andre’s Banquets and Catering in association with Rockwood Summit High School.
Officials said although current details are suggestive of salad being the source of illness, they have not identified a specific ingredient, nor do they have information on the nature or timing of the contamination. They said Andre’s Banquets and Catering has been cooperating with investigators.
“The health and safety of our community are our highest priorities,” said Dr. Kanika Cunningham, Director of the Saint Louis County Department of Public Health. “Our team is working tirelessly alongside the Rockwood School District and other stakeholders to pinpoint the source of this outbreak and prevent further cases. We are grateful for the district's cooperation and for the community's patience as we complete this critical work.”
On Wednesday, Rockwood Summit High School Principal Emily McCown said the district was contacted by the St. Louis County Department of Public Health in regards to the suspected E. coli infections. An email sent to parents said it was all connected to food eaten at an "end-of-season event," and on Friday, district spokeswoman Mary LaPak said they are investigating a second school event as well.
The email also said the district was bringing in "extra help" to deep clean the school. That cleaning included spraying classrooms and common areas, and increased focus on all bathrooms and doorknobs.
On Friday, LaPak shared with 5 On Your Side, "We are also doing everything we can to support those students, staff and families who are ill and in some cases hospitalized with this illness."
The Department of Public Health urges anyone experiencing symptoms of E. coli infection – including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, and fever – to seek medical attention immediately. Preventative measures such as proper handwashing and food safety practices remain critical during this time.
The health department said symptoms usually begin two to five days after exposure and can last up to 10 days.
The department also said at-risk groups can also experience a severe complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure, neurologic damage, and in some cases, death.
The health department said if you think you may be sick with E. coli infection, call your healthcare provider immediately.
5 On Your Side also spoke with St. Louis health experts on what to do if you believe you're sick from E. coli.
Dr. Farrin Manian, Department of Medicine Chair and an infectious disease physician with Mercy Hospital St. Louis said "if you have fever, if you really feel like you got a bad, flu-like illness, you should seek medical attention." Manian says for people that do end up in the hospital, they're usually "successfully discharged."
At Total Access Urgent Care in St. Louis, Nurse Practitioner Jennifer O'Donnell says she treats E. Coli cases often, "We can give them IV fluids. We can check those kidney functions. We can run the stool cultures if necessary and we can definitely get them on antibiotics if it is warranted."