Several Katy ISD elementary students have been diagnosed with a diarrheal illness.

According to school district officails, the Golbow Elementary School students are suffering from shigellosis. The illness is caused by the Shigella bacteria and it can quickly spread.

The symptoms include fever, stomach cramps, possible vomiting and diarrhea that may have blood or mucus in it.

The Harris County Health Department is working with the school because several cases could turn into an outbreak, school officials said.

"It is not uncommon for shigellosis to affect other family members following the first case," according to the press release.

The district warned that siblings of those affected could bring it to their schools. The feeder schools from Golbow are McDonald Junior High, Morton Ranch Junior High, Mayde Creek High and Morgon Ranch High schools.

Careful handwashing after using the bathroom and before eating is the best way to prevent the spread of shigellosis.

Katy ISD

The district said though it is rare, shigellosis can cause serious illness that warrants hospitalization.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, it usually resolves itself in five to seven days, though some people without symptoms can be infected and pass it along to others.

The illness is usually treated with antibiotics. If you have any questions, contact the Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services Epidemiology Section at (713) 439-6000.