The Montana State lab is performing genomic sequencing of test samples and has notified CCHD that it expects results on Friday 11/15. These results would determine whether the Great Falls cases are linked to a multistate outbreak but will not confirm a specific food source.
At this time, ten cases have been confirmed. Nine of those confirmed cases are within four GFPS elementary schools. Three additional test results are pending, one of which is associated with another secondary school.
Because foodborne illnesses are commonly linked to fresh fruits and vegetables, GFPS is temporarily removing those items from all school menus as a cautionary measure, and alternative canned and dried fruit options will be made available. A GFPS notification has been sent to student families.
