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Posted: Oct 7, 2008 07:36 AM PDT Source of Article: http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=9137497 The City of Lubbock Health
Department has seen an increase in the number of shigellosis cases reported
between September 6 and October 3. Forty-four cases have
been reported during these dates. This is a five-fold increase over the
expected 8 cases in a 30-day period. The cases range in age from 1 year to 75
years with 28 (63%) of the cases in children 1 to 15 years of age. Twenty
of the forty-four cases are lab confirmed. There are 24 probable
cases among the household or classroom contacts of lab-confirmed cases. No
common food source has been linked to these cases. The City of Shigella is the bacterium
that causes shigellosis, a diarrheal illness that lasts from 4-7 days.
Fever, vomiting and stomach cramps may also be present. It most commonly
occurs in children under the age of 10. Once exposed, symptoms develop
usually in 1-3 days (range from 1-7 days). Some people with Shigella
will have no symptoms at all but are still able to spread the bacteria. Shigella is spread
person-to-person through the unwashed hands of the infected person, either by
direct contact, or by food or drink handled by the person infected.
Although shigella is easily spread, it can also be
easily prevented. The key is Good Handwashing--before and after eating, or handling
food, and always after using the toilet, after infant diaper changes
and frequently during the day. Persons with symptoms:
diarrhea, cramping, fever, nausea and vomiting, should contact your doctor
immediately. |
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