By Associated Press
Section, AL – Young students in a Jackson County school are being reminded to wash their hands after using the bathroom in an attempt to stem the spread of a bacterial infection that has already sickened about 20 people, with a few hospitalized. Sondra Nassetta, a public health surveillance nurse for seven counties, said some students at the K-12 Section School became ill last week from a strain of Shigella. She said most of those affected have been in the lower grades, but some siblings, parents and teachers have also fallen ill. A fever is another symptom of the infection, which is treated with antibiotics. Public health officials said the fact that the outbreak has been concentrated among younger students means it is unlikely the outbreak started with the school's cafeteria or water supply. If that had been the case, the age spread would be wider. Nassetta said an inspection on the lunchroom found no problems and test results on the water supply are expected soon.