Schools turn off fountains to fight parasite

Despite 46 cases of cryptosporidiosis, student attendance is at 98 percent.

FREDERICKTOWN, Mo. -- Many students in the southeast Missouri community of Fredericktown are packing bottled water along with their regular school supplies, as the community works to curb an intestinal infection.

The Madison County Health Department confirmed 46 cases of an illness caused by microscopic parasites through Friday. The first two cases were reported Aug. 8, and health officials are trying to track down where the illness began and how it is spreading.

The infections have meant some changes for the new school year, which began Thursday. Superintendent Kelly Burlison said attendance is high, around 98 percent. Even so, officials know they have some students who have had the infection. Symptoms of the illness, called cryptosporidiosis, include diarrhea, nausea, headache, low-grade fever and loss of appetite.

After consulting with local and state health officials, the schools, already prepared for the school year, were cleaned again with bleach and water solutions. Bus drivers and teachers also have access to spray bottles of a bleach solution for cleanings during the day.

Water fountains have been turned off in all schools -- the district serves 1,900 students. "Little kids like to put their mouths on water fountains," Burlison noted.

Students can bring bottled water from home, and schools are offering it at no charge. Teachers are talking to students about how to wash their hands for 30 seconds with antibacterial soap, and sports teams are being told not to share beverages.

The Centers for Disease Control said the cryptosporidium parasite can be found in soil, food, water or on surfaces that have been contaminated with infected human or animal feces. Infection occurs when the parasite is swallowed. People cannot become infected through contact with blood, according to a fact sheet about the illness.

The Fredericktown municipal pool voluntarily shut down after the first cases were identified. One of the first children with a confirmed case was at the pool, but some of those infected with the parasite have not been there.

Those with severely weakened immune systems are most at risk.