Educators at Ouida Springer Elementary School in Rockwall are warning parents to closely monitor their children for Shigella, a highly contagious bacterial infection.[[362509491,C]]
NBC 5 confirmed that one student was diagnosed with the illness, but it is not clear how many students were exposed to it.
The Rockwall ISD told NBC 5 on Tuesday that there are no new cases of shigellosis at the school.
The district disinfected the school on Monday and school leaders want to ensure parents the school is safe and clean.
On Monday night in a letter home, Principal Brad Helmer told parents at least one case had been confirmed at the school.
"Before school this morning, I bought them hand sanitizer to bring to school so they're prepared," parent Renee Aparicio said. "Not too worried about it, but I'm glad they sent a letter home."
Shigellosis is an illness that results from coming into contact with the bacteria Shigella.
Shigella is a bacteria that is found in feces and can cause diarrhea, which may be bloody, fever, stomach cramps and vomiting.
Poor hygiene is often to blame for the spread of the infection, which can be ingested via contaminated food or water and can last four to seven days. A person can be contagious for up to two weeks after becoming sick.
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"Before school this morning, I bought them hand sanitizer to bring to school so they're prepared," parent Renee Aparicio said. "Not too worried about it, but I'm glad they sent a letter home."
Recommendations from the Texas Department of State Health Services:
- Use proper hygiene
- Carefully wash hands before and after eating
- Carefully wash hands after using the toilet or changing diapers
- Supervise or assist small children in hand washing after using the toilet
- Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, countertops and other high-touch items
- Children and staff with vomiting, fever, and/or diarrhea should not attend school or school activities until 24 hours after symptoms resolve without medication
- If you or your child experience shigellosis symptoms, visit your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment
Rockwall ISD Statement:
Rockwall ISD takes measures to help prevent the spread of illness at school. Restrooms and commonly touched areas are cleaned and disinfected daily. Students and staff are encouraged to use good hand washing technique. If your child gets diarrhea, fever, stomach pains or vomiting keep him or her home. Notify your healthcare provider and tell them about this letter. All infected persons must stay away from school until diarrhea-free for 24 hours without the use of diarrhea-suppressing medication.
Thank you for your assistance in following the recommendations to prevent the spread of Shigella. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact The Texas Department of State Health Services at 817-822-6786.
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NBC 5's Eric King contributed to this report.
