Epidemiology Program has identified an increase over the normal number of cases of shigellosis, a bacterial diarrhea illness, in Oklahoma County. According to Jon Lowry, Program Administrator of Epidemiology, a large percentage of the cases have been associated with childcare centers. Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. Diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps starting a day or two after exposure to the bacteria are symptoms usually seen with the illness. Diarrhea is often bloody in cases of shigellosis.
Laboratory tests can identify shigellosis in the stools of an infected person.
Most shigellosis infections are the result of the bacterium passing from stool-soiled fingers of one person to the mouth of another person. This happens when basic hygiene and handwashing practices are inadequate. It is particularly likely to occur among toddlers who are not fully toilet-trained. People who live in the same household with infected individuals are at high risk of becoming infected. Therefore, frequent and careful hand washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of disease in all age groups and all settings .