Several persons associated with a Lexington County pre-K may have been infected with a contagious bacteria, according to a letter issued by the state’s health department.

Parents of the Lexington 4 Early Childhood Center in Swansea were sent a letter with a Friday date warning of shigella, an “easily spread” bacteria that can lead to an infection of the lining of the stomach, according to a letter sent by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Fever, stomach cramps and diarrhea are among the common symptoms associated with the infection, the DHEC letter stated. They typically last five to seven days.