They're particularly concerned about one child with bloody diarrhea who may have contracted E. coli from a sibling. The sibling ate lunch at the school Oct. 6 and had mild symptoms that could have been caused by the bacteria but was not tested for it. One of the children with a confirmed case of the poisoning was not hospitalized, and three more have been released from hospitals. They may return to school when their symptoms disappear and their doctors say they are ready, health officials said. But Monday, letters went home with elementary children from the Benton Franklin County District Health Department telling parents not to send any children to school if they have diarrhea for fear of spreading E. coli bacteria.
Bloody diarrhea is characteristic of the infection.
It was clear Monday night that not all parents are happy with the way the district has handled the outbreak. Most of about 30 people at the regularly scheduled school board meeting came to listen, but some were more outspoken. Parents were concerned the district hasn't done enough to put their minds at ease. Finley Superintendent Rob Van Slyke said the district is doing everything possible to keep parents informed. Meanwhile, the three children at Kennewick General Hospital are doing well, said a hospital spokesman.