Part II – Ms. Hines Calls Principal Pinder Ms. Hines called the school and asked
ID: 217575 • Letter: P
Question
Part II – Ms. Hines Calls Principal Pinder
Ms. Hines called the school and asked to speak to Principal Pinder.
Principal: Hello Ms. Hines. I am so sorry to hear you are sick. The phone at school has been ringing off the hook with parents letting us know their children are sick too.
Ms. Hines (sounding very ill): Principal Pinder … I feel horrible. On Friday, Mrs. Garner and I took our classes on a field trip to the Science Center and the park. My class had a wonderful time. We watched a few of the science demonstrations and then went outside to the park and the ponds. We played on the playground. A small group of my students went to the new fishing dock and others fed the ducks. Some of the kids even had a chance to ride the paddleboats and splash in the water. We reunited with Mrs. Garner’s class in time to eat lunch and then we all returned to school.
I must admit, I felt progressively tired this weekend. I thought it might be due to all of the extra work I did to organize for the field trip. I tried to rest on Sunday to be ready for school on Monday. This morning, however, I was awakened with stomach cramps. I now have a fever and diarrhea. The doctor said my symptoms are consistent with gastroenteritis, which he suspects is being caused by an Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterial infection. I’m not sure how I could have been exposed to E. coli. He asked me questions about where I had been or if I had recently eaten or drunk anything that may have been undercooked or unpasteurized. He also asked if I had visited a day care center, nursing home, or recently traveled out of the country. He said that food or water contaminated with E. coli bacteria can cause my symptoms.
Principal: Well Ms. Hines, we’ve had ten parents call in already this morning. The parents have indicated a variety of symptoms which include their children feeling lightheaded, chills, fever, diarrhea, and being tired. Did both of the fifth grade classes go to the park on Friday?
Ms. Hines: Yes, there were 17 students in my class and 20 in Mrs. Garner’s class on the school trip.
Principal: Hmm. That means we may be getting even more calls. Thank you Ms. Hines. I hope you feel better soon!
Questions
1. What does the doctor think may be the cause of Ms. Hines’ illness?
2. There are many conditions with symptoms similar to those described in the story. Research the symptoms. What bacteria or pathogens, other than E. coli, might be responsible for these illnesses? What are some examples of other illnesses that can have similar symptoms?
3. How could a class that visited a park potentially be exposed to E. coli bacteria?
4. What are potential modes for bacteria transmission?
Explanation / Answer
1. The doctor predicted the cause for Ms. Hines illness is the infection caused by E.coli.
2.the given symptoms are chills , lightheadedness, fever, diarrhea and tiredness. The other conditions with these symptoms are viral infections caused by norovirus and rotovirus.
3. They might be having the food or water contaminated with bacteria as the park has plenty of Flora and fauna and there is a high chances of contamination.
4. Bacteria can be transferred from air , soil and water or by contaminated surfaces i.e wounds