Two more E. coli cases confirmed at Huntley High, as search for source continues

Officials have confirmed two more cases of E. coli connected to an outbreak last week at Huntley High School.

The two additional cases bring the total to nine, McHenry County Department of Health community information coordinator Nick Kubiak wrote in an email Monday.

No source of the illnesses has been determined, and health department officials are reviewing and analyzing the results of a survey sent to students and staff, Kubiak added.

The first case of the bacterial illness associated with the high school was reported Sept. 17. By Wednesday, the number of cases was up to six students and a seventh case was confirmed Friday.

E. coli can cause diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. The bacteria can be spread by eating foods contaminated with feces from an infected animal or that were prepared by someone who has contracted E. coli or drinking water contaminated with E. coli bacteria.