Officials investigate infection at SC school

HONEA PATH, S.C. (AP) — State health officials are working to combat an infection in an Anderson County school that has sent several students to the hospital.

Officials say the outbreak of the shigella bacteria started at Honea (HUN-ee-ah) Path Elementary School earlier this month.

The bacteria is similar to salmonella and can cause diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps.

Adam Myrick with the Department of Health and Environmental Control says about 60 students have been affected by the illness and three or four students went to the hospital. He says dehydration is the reason most people are hospitalized by the bacteria.

Anderson District 2 Superintendent Tommy Chapman says officials will use a long break that starts Friday to thoroughly clean the school.

Chapman says officials are emphasizing the importance of washing hands.