ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The St. Louis County Department of Health (DPH) now says there are 69 cases of E. coli connected to events associated with Rockwood Summit High School. Students, parents and guests became ill after attending two separate off-campus events, officials say.

The department says further investigation has revealed those who have tested positive attended either an event at Andre's Banquets or used its catering. 

Health officials say current details suggest salad may be the source of illness, but they have not been able to identify a specific ingredient. Officials also don't know the nature or timing of the contamination. Andre's Banquets and Catering has been cooperating, says the health department. 

Dr. Kanika Cunningham, director of the St. Louis County Department of Health, says the health and safety of the community is the departmet's higheest priority.

“Our team is working tirelessly alongside the Rockwood School District and other stakeholders to pinpoint the source of this outbreak and prevent further cases. We are grateful for the district's cooperation and for the community's patience as we complete this critical work,” Cunningham said.

Some cases have been laboratory confirmed and other people have experienced compatible symptoms, but have not been tested.

The department's communicable disease investigators are conducting interviews to get more information about food history, symptom onset and details about exposure. The school district helped the department send out an electronic survey to collect data, which health officials say has provided "invaluable information."

Evironmental Health Inspectors are working to evaluate associated locations and will be collecting environmental and food sample for further testing. 

The health department stressed that current findings do not implicate any single source or party. It says additional testing and data analysis are underway to determine the exact source of contamination. 

The health department urges anyone experiencing symptoms of E. coli infection – including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that is often bloody, vomiting and fever – to seek medical attention immediately.

If you think you may be sick with E. coli infection, please contact your healthcare provider immediately or call the Saint Louis County Department of Public Health at 314-615-1630.