The Associated Press reports that two children at Red Cross Elementary School have been diagnosed with E. coli poisoning.
Barren County Schools superintendent Jerry Ralston met with faculty and staff at the school, and sent a sheet explaining E. coli home with every student. He also sent a personal letter to each student’s family on how to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
It is unclear how the two at Red Cross Elementary came in contact with the bacteria, but the school will intensify its inspections and reviews.
E. coli is spread when bacteria leave the body through the stool of an infected person and enter another when hands, food or objects such as toys contaminated by touching are placed in the mouth.
“We’re going to make sure we incorporate (health department) precautions,” said Ralston. “We’re going to make sure students are washing their hands and do some extra cleaning.”