Health officials warn Springfield and Greene County residents of an increased risk of diarrhea illness caused by highly contagious bacteria.
Residents are urged to take precautions to prevent the spread of Shigellosis.
According to the press release from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, public health experts observed an increase in cases of Shigellosis, a bacterial infection caused by Shigella bacteria.
Additionally, the Health Department warns other similar diarrheal illnesses, such as Salmonella and E. Coli, are also present in the community.
About diarrheal illness from Shigella
Drinking, cooking with or brushing your teeth with contaminated water can make you sick with diarrhea.
Symptoms of Shigellosis typically include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, which may begin one or two days after exposure and last 5-7 days. The infection is highly contagious, and can spread through contaminated food, water or direct contact with an infected person.
Salmonella is a bacterial infection that leads to symptoms including diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps six hours to six days after infection. It typically lasts 4-7 days. The bacteria are usually transmitted through contaminated food or water.
E. coli is a bacterial infection that can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting, which usually appear three or four days after exposure and last 5-7 days. E. coli is typically spread through contaminated food or water.
Though people with these illnesses usually get better without antibiotic treatment, they may still have the bacterium in their stools for up to six weeks after they recover from symptoms of illness. It is important to continue practicing safety precautions to stop the illness from spreading.
How to stop Shigella from spreading:
Wash hands with warm, soapy water:
- After using the bathroom
- Before food preparation
- Before eating
- After assisting a child with toileting
- After changing diapers
- Thoroughly cook all foods.
- Use a diluted bleach solution to disinfect surfaces; bacteria can survive for weeks on dry surfaces.
- Clean common areas including doorknobs, bathroom and kitchen faucets, toilet handles and countertops.
- Avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes or untreated swimming pools.
- Do not let ill people prepare food or beverages for others.
- Avoid sexual contact for at least two weeks after diarrhea has ended.
Contact your healthcare provider if you or a family member have:
- Bloody stools
- Diarrhea lasting more than three days
- Severe stomach cramping or tenderness
- You should also contact your doctor if you have symptoms and are employed in a childcare, food handling or healthcare setting.
