Health Alert: County Wide Increase in Shigella Infections

May 7, 2009

Target Segment:

     

What is Shigella?
Shigella is a bacterium (germ) that can cause diarrhea which is sometimes bloody.  Other Symptoms include fever and stomach cramps.  The illness lasts about 5-7 days. Some people who are infected with Shigella may have no symptoms at all, but may still pass on the infection to others.

How does a person become infected with Shigella?
A person becomes infected with Shigella by swallowing the bacteria.  Shigella is passed from person to person.  It is found in human feces and can get on hands when using the toilet or changing diapers.  Contaminated hands spread the infection when they come into contact with food, the mouth and items such as toys.

How is Shigella diagnosed and treated?
Your healthcare provider can test a stool specimen for Shigella.  Antibiotics can be prescribed to shorten both the duration of illness and the length of time bacteria are passed in the stool (the period of time a person is infectious).  Sometimes people get better without antibiotics.

How can I prevent Shigella?
• Wash hands with soap and warm water often for at least 20 seconds.
• Always wash hands after going to the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.
• Disinfect diaper changing areas after each use.
• Undiagnosed children with diarrhea should stay home from school and child care until diarrhea has stopped for 24 hours.
• Adults should not go to work if they have diarrhea.
• Supervise handwashing of toddlers and small children after they use the toilet, especially in child care centers and homes with children who have not been fully toilet trained.
• Do not prepare food for others while ill with diarrhea.
• Keep kitchen work surfaces clean with disinfectant.
• Clean off toys and play areas that are used by more than one child or person.

Special Considerations

  

    

Children in Diapers
• If a child in diapers has Shigella, throw away dirty diapers in a closed-lid garbage can. If you do not have one, double bag the diaper. 
• Immediately wash your hands and the child's hands well with soap and warm water.   
• Wipe down the diaper changing area with disinfectant.  Do this after each changing.
• Children in diapers with Shigella should not be in contact with uninfected children.

Food Handlers, Child Care, and Healthcare
The law requires that food handlers, child care workers, children attending childcare, and patient care providers can not go to work or school until they have 2 consecutive stool samples 24 hours apart have tested negative for Shigella bacteria.

For more information visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Information for Child Care Providers:
  Handwashing
  Fact Sheet
  Schedule for Cleaning and Sanitizing