Edgewood Schools closed today for student’s possible E. coli infection

All Edgewood schools are closed Thursday after an elementary student “potentially tested positive for a form of E. coli,” the district stated in a letter to parents and staff.

The district was notified late Wednesday afternoon about the test for the Seven Mile Elementary School student by the Butler County Health Department. The district said it decided to close all schools “out of an abundance of precaution.”

The health department is working to determine whether others were infected with the illness, usually caused by consuming contaminated food or drink.

Edgewood started its school year on Aug. 15.

“The safety of our students is our top priority and we feel this is the best precautionary action we can  take to protect our students and staff,” the school wrote in its letter.

“In the meantime, we are taking steps to extensively clean the Seven Mile Elementary School this evening in an effort to limit the exposure. Additional action will be taken (Thursday) to clean all our remaining schools. We will also work with the Butler County Health Department for more direction. Once we have more information, we will issue an update to our parents, guardians, staff, and students on Thursday, August 29.”

E. coli symptoms

Symptoms vary, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Some people may have a fever, which is usually less than 101 degrees. Most get better within five to seven days. Some infections are mild but others are severe or even life-threatening.
— Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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