(Update: There are now nine confirmed Campylobacter cases in the Durand, WI, school district, according to a Thursday afternoon press release. The release noted that not all of those sickened have been tested for the bacteria.) State and county health officials are investigating an outbreak of Campylobacter infections in the Durand School District in Pepin County, WI. Eight people had reportedly been hospitalized with gastrointestinal illness, and dozens more were ill, including members of the high school’s football team and several coaches and managers. As of Thursday afternoon, there were eight confirmed Campylobacter cases and one with an indeterminate result, said Jennifer Miller, communications specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services in Madison. “They determined there was no anthrax involved. That had been rumored,” she said. “So it appears to be Campylobacter. The source we don’t know at this time.” Durand School Superintendent Greg Doverspike said Thursday that four people were currently still in the hospital and that the investigation was focusing on common symptoms among those sickened and potential sources of the bacteria. “We are testing for anything we can get our hands on,” he said. “There was a team function Thursday night, so we are looking at food and water and what they used to drink from at football practices — anything that seems to be a common thing.” The high school and middle school in Durand remain open, although at least 35 students were absent due to illness. Those with symptoms were being encouraged to stay home until they were symptom-free for at least 24 hours. A news report on Thursday stated that the high school football game scheduled for this coming Saturday has been postponed due to the “large number of ill football players.” Updates on the outbreak are being posted on the Pepin County Health Department’s Facebook page. Campylobacter is a bacteria which causes gastrointestinal symptom including diarrhea (possibly bloody), cramping and fever within two to five days of exposure. Symptoms typically last about a week, although some of those infected do not exhibit symptoms. Confirmed Campylobacter cases are usually associated with eating raw or undercooked poultry or meat or from cross-contamination of other foods by these items. Other exposures can come from unpasteurized dairy products and contaminated water, produce or animals. Exposure is also possible from person-to-person, although that is less common.