Health officials in Pepin County are investigating an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness among students at Durand High School, which has hospitalized eight people so far. Pepin County Health Officer Heidi Stewart says the investigation began after the district reported the illnesses, with notifications sent to the state Health Department and local hospitals.
So far, eight students have tested positive for Campylobacter, a bacterial infection in the intestinal tract that causes fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Testing is underway in other possible cases, with reports of up to 35 students sickened by the outbreak. Of those, most are on the high school’s football team. Several coaches have also been reported as being sick.
WRDN