BAKERSFIELD -- The father of a child being monitored for possible e. coli poisoning is suffering from similar symptoms, the health department announced Thursday.

In a rare late-night news conference, Dr. B.A. Jinadu, the director of the Kern County Dept. of Public Health, said they have not confirmed if the man has a confirmed case of e. coli poisoning, but are monitoring him and eleven children.

Three kindergarteners at Ronald Reagan elementary school have been diagnosed with e. coli poisoning, and eleven others are being monitored by the health department.

Investigators say the children are in the same social group and attended several activities where they may have been exposed to the bacteria. The man may have been present at the activities during the same timeframe, according to Jinadu.

The health department does not believe the e. coli is an ongoing threat, but recommends to parents to have their children wash their hands thoroughly.