Bacteria sends kids home from school

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January 25, 2008

A case of a common bacteria at the Keys Head Start program had some parents worried, and health officials explaining symptoms.

By JOSH NEWTON The Tahlequah Daily Press Fri Jan 25, 2008, 12:48 PM CST

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — Students at the Cookson Hills Head Start program at Keys School were sent home Monday when school officials learned one of the children had developed a bacterial infection common in Oklahoma.

Keys Superintendent Jerry Hood said the child became ill and had frequent bouts of diarrhea. The seven children in the program Monday were sent home, while the school called in a crew to sterilize the classrooms and carpet, as required in such situations.

Health officials confirmed after the cleaning process that the room was bacteria-free.

The ill child apparently had Shigellosis, a common infection of the gut caused by the Shigella bacteria.

“Young children, especially those in day care centers, are infected more often [than others],” said Joy Boren, a registered nurse with the Cherokee County Health Department. “Some people can have it, but don’t have the symptoms.”

Shigella is found in the stool of an infected person, and is spread by close contact with the victim, or by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Toys and dirty diapers can also be a source of bacteria.

“Diarrhea may appear one to seven days after infection, but usually within two to three days,” said Boren.

Boren said anyone who has severe diarrhea should see a physician. “Tell the doctor there’s a possibility you’ve been exposed to this [Shigella],” said Boren.

If a physician isn’t told a patient may have been exposed to this disease, he may diagnose the symptoms as typical of other illnesses, and not order a stool sample. That sample is important in diagnosing Shigellosis. Infected individuals should not return to work or school until they have received two negative stool cultures. Antibiotics maybe prescribed.

“It is very important to make sure you increase your level of fluid intake while you have diarrhea [to avoid dehydration],” said Boren.

For young children, Pedialite is a good source of nutrients.

“It is also very important not to take drugs that prevent diarrhea, such as Immodium-AD,” said Boren. “These drugs can actually prolong the duration of your illness.”

According to Hood, teachers sent out a note telling parents if their child displayed these symptoms, the child should be kept at home until he gets a clean bill of health.

The most important way to prevent the spread of a Shigella infection is by washing your hands. “Wash your hands often and well, with warm water and soap,” said Boren. “Be especially careful to wash your hands after diapering a child, going to the bathroom, and before eating or preparing food.”

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