Durand High School affected by outbreak

Durand High School passed through a rough week last week, with over 150 students staying home due to various reasons, mainly illness and precaution.
Early in the day on September 22, Superintendent Greg Doverspike said administration was notified of a higher-than-normal absent rate, with a significant number from the football team.
"Our first call was to the school nurse, who immediately contacted the Pepin County Health Department," Doverspike said. "The county health department then contacted the State health department."
After specimen samples were taken and sent to Madison, positive tests of Campylobacter infections were indicated. As of Wednesday, September 24, at 6:45 p.m., seven cases had been confirmed. Two additional cases were confirmed as of Thursday at 5:30 p.m., and as of Monday, County Nurse Terri Reiland said there were 22 confirmed cases, all whom are directly connected to the football team.
Doverspike said the State health department is investigating the cause, and information will be released if or when a cause is determined.
On Monday, Doverspike said more samples were still being sent to Madison for testing.
Doverspike said the number of students absent last week was around 150, though it is hard to determine how many were due to the Campylobacter, as some parents chose to keep their children home from school as a precaution. Respiratory and other illnesses also affected a number of students, who stayed home.
Reiland said at least 10 students were hospitalized due to the illness. Campylobacter is a  bacteria  and  a  common  cause  of  gastrointestinal  illness  in   Wisconsin.  Symptoms  include diarrhea, which may be bloody, abdominal cramping, and fever.
According to the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, Campylobacterosis is a bacterial infection that affects the intestinal tract and, in rare cases, the bloodstream. The infection is commonly reported in Wisconsin and the United States, and tends to occur in the summer months as single cases or outbreaks.
Individuals who are exposed to the organism typically become ill within two to five days of exposure. The campylobacter is generally spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, unpasteurized milk, and by direct or indirect contact with fecal material from an infected person, animal, or pet.
According to the Division of Public Health, many animals, such as pigs, cattle, dogs, and birds, particularly poultry, carry the bacteria in their intestines, and in turn may contaminate meat products, water supplies, milk, and other items in the food chain.
The bacteria is typically passed for a few days or up to a week or more after being infected.
Doverspike said the State's investigation includes finding common places and food the affected individuals may have shared, and the collection of specimen samples.
"The school district went through a process of cleaning common areas multiple times, and buses before each bus route, on the recommendations from the State," he said.
School was kept open, as the infection is not easily spread from person to person.
"I'm very proud of the way the community pitched in and helped," Doverspike said. "Chippewa Valley Hospital went above and beyond, as well. I appreciate the support from the community, parents, and staff."
As of Monday afternoon, Doverspike said attendance seems to be back to normal, and the school is working to transition students back into the swing of things.
Individuals with questions regarding the investigation can contact the Pepin County Health Department at 715-672-5961.