ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Students, staff, and parents are continuing to be affected by an E. coli outbreak from an off-campus Rockwood Summit High School event this week.
According to the St. Louis County Health Department, there have now been 69 cases identified as of Friday afternoon, compared to an initial 19 reported Thursday.
Those who have tested positive for the strain attended two separate events that were hosted or catered by a local banquet center. That banquet center is cooperating with health officials, according to the release.
The salad served at both events is suggested as the source of illness, but there is no specific ingredient of the bacteria or where it formed.
Health investigators are gathering information with every case, such as food history, symptom onset, and exposure details. Further testing will be conducted by environmental inspectors.
“The health and safety of our community are our highest priorities,” said Dr. Kanika Cunningham, Director of the Saint Louis County Department of Public Health. “Our team is working tirelessly alongside the Rockwood School District and other stakeholders to pinpoint the source of this outbreak and prevent further cases. We are grateful for the district’s cooperation and for the community’s patience as we complete this critical work.”