Shigellosis cases increase in Indian River County
Indian River County, Fl- Health officials in Indian River County said Wednesday they have identified an increase in the number of shigellosis cases.
Shigellosis, an infectious disease, can cause fever, diarrhea and stomach cramps.
The Florida Department of Health in Indian River County said shigellosis is very contagious. It is easily spread from person to person. Infection occurs from eating or swallowing something that is contaminated with stool from an infected person.
According to the Mayo Clinic:
Causes
Infection occurs when you accidentally swallow shigella bacteria. This can happen when you:
- Touch your mouth. If you don’t wash your hands well after changing the diaper of a child who has shigella infection, you may become infected yourself. Direct person-to-person contact is the most common way the disease is spread.
- Eat contaminated food. Infected people who handle food can transmit the bacteria to people who eat the food. Food can also become contaminated if it grows in a field that contains sewage.
- Swallow contaminated water. Water may become contaminated either from sewage or from a person with shigella infection swimming in it.
The public is urged to properly wash their hands after going to the bathroom, changing diapers and before preparing and eating food.
The Florida Department of Health in Indian River County is working closely with schools and child care facilities, and has provided them with prevention and control information.
The medical community has also been provided with the most current information. For more information, please contact Florida Department of Health in Indian River County at 772-794-7440 or visit the CDC website.
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