MADISON (WKOW) -- Local health officials are making the public aware of a small outbreak of the shigella infection.
Officials say shigella infections are the result of the bacteria
passing from improperly washed hands of one person to the mouth of another
person, often through handling contaminated objects or food. Symptoms include diarrhea,
fever, and stomach cramps starting a day or two after exposure to the bacteria.
Public Health - Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) says there have been 17 cases of shigella infection occurring between September 20
and October 30. In 2011, there were only 19 cases of shigella
infection reported in Dane County.
Health officials say laboratory analysis of the
bacteria suggests that 12 of these cases were caused by bacteria that were
genetically similar, which suggests that the cases are related in some
way. All but three of the cases live in Madison (the north-east
side, the south side). The others are in Belleville, Monona and Stoughton. It is likely that there are more unreported cases in the area.
Officials say people with
shigellosis are rarely hospitalized; however, a severe infection with
high fever may be associated with seizures in children less than two years old.
Some people who are infected may have no symptoms at all, but may still be able
to pass the Shigella bacteria to others.
The CDC has six simple steps to help prevent and avoid this
uncomfortable, inconvenient and occasionally serious illness.
- Wash hands with soap carefully and frequently, especially after going
to the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before preparing foods or
beverages.
- Dispose of soiled diapers properly
- Disinfect diaper changing areas after using them.
- Keep children with diarrhea out of child care settings.
- Supervise hand washing of toddlers and small children after they use
the toilet.
- Do not prepare food for others while ill with diarrhea.
For more information about shigella, visit the CDC's website or the DHS website.
