Health Department, schools react quickly to recent e-coli case

By Steve Moyer

Nevada Daily Mail

Nevada R-5 Assistant Superintendent Christie Peterson said the district is working with the Vernon County Health Department to make sure that a case of e-coli in a kindergarten student and a younger sibling doesn't spread. The case of e-coli was confirmed Tuesday and the district went into high gear to make sure that everything was being done to contact patrons of the district to inform them of the infection and to give them some information on how to prevent its spread.

The district spent Wednesday disinfecting all surfaces of the school and has stopped having snacks in the classrooms. In addition, an Early Childhood program for about 30 3- and 4-year-olds has been temporarily suspended.

"We're trying to interrupt the cycle of infection," Peterson said. "We're trying to track any child down who might have had any contact with the affected child. We've even notified babysitters of children who have come into contact with the child."

Jeanne Baldwin said that people need to take precautions to keep themselves safe from the disease.

"Thoroughly cook meat to 160 degrees, do not drink unpasturized milk, hunters need to watch water sources, don't drink from streams, be very careful to wash hands and cooking surfaces, especially with poultry," Baldwin said.

The symptoms experienced most often are high tempatures with abdominal distress. They sometimes include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

"Young people, under 5, and the elderly, over 70, are especially at risk," Baldwin said. "A person can become extremely ill."

Baldwin praised the school and local doctors for their cooperation and willingness to do what is needed to keep the problem from spreading.

"The school has been extraordinarilly good," Baldwin said. "I can't say enough nice things about our community. Our doctors have been great."