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NOT
A GOOD TIME FOR THOSE INFECTED
Source
of Article: http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=localnews&pnpID=469&NewsID=958445&CategoryID=569&on=1
04/23/09
Paul Osborne, Editor
I just received
notification from the Macon County Health Department that "reports of
a gastrointestinal illnesses identified as Shigella continue to rise in
Macon County. With nineteen cases occurring so far in the month of April,
the total is now at 69 cases since November 2008.
"Shigella is a
disease in which those infected frequently experience diarrhea, fever, and
stomach cramps. The diarrhea is usually bloody and lasts for five to seven
days. In higher risk populations such as infants, elderly, and persons with
chronic health or immunosuppressive conditions, the disease may last longer
and severe diarrhea may result in hospitalization and complications. Some
people never experience any symptoms while they have Shigella.
"According to the
Illinois Department of Public Health, 1,300 cases of Shigellosis are
reported in Illinois every year. Because some mild cases go unreported, it
is expected that at least 20 times more people are actually infected with
the bacterium. Laboratory tests can be done to diagnose Shigella and in
some cases, antibiotics can be used to treat the condition.
"Shigella is passed
from one person to another, usually through inadequate handwashing or
eating contaminated food. In half of the reported cases in Macon County,
the Shigellosis occurred among family members transferring it to each
other. There have also been a number of day cares and pre-schools in which
the illness has spread among attendees. The Shigella bacterium is present
in infected persons’ stools not only while they are sick, but also for
weeks after.
"A key to overall
disease prevention and also to preventing the spread of this disease is
proper handwashing. Forty-nine percent (49%) of the reported cases have
been in children under the age of five years old. Therefore, it is crucial
to ensure that all members of your family are washing their hands
thoroughly. Hands should be washed for at least 20 seconds with soap and
running water and dried off with a clean, dry paper towel. (see attached
illustration of adequate hand-washing technique) Those infected with
Shigella should frequently wash their hands and avoid preparing food or
drinks for others. If a child in diapers is infected with Shigella, those
changing the diapers should dispose of them in an air-tight, sealed garbage
bag, disinfect the changing area, and wash their hands thoroughly. Persons
who work in sensitive occupations like food service, daycares, or health
care providers’ offices should not be working if they have diarrhea and
should consult with their physician."
The Macon County Health
Department is asking health care providers to report suspected and confirmed
cases of Shigella to the health department immediately so that appropriate
follow-up of close contacts can begin and help prevent the disease from
spreading.
This is certainly
something we don't want spreading in our community.
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