Many of the cases have been connected to day care centers, but no known connection to long-term care facilities, food establishments, or health care facilities has been established. The most recent suspect cases have included elementary and high school students. The Pratt County Health Department, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and staff from the local hospital and day cares have been working together to prevent further spread of infection. A coordinated, intense public health campaign with more active surveillance is currently underway to emphasize the severity of the disease and promote methods of preventing transmission. Shigella is usually spread from infected people whose hands are not adequately washed after using the toilet.
People can transfer the bacteria to other people directly or through food or water.
Affected individuals often experience bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, and abdominal cramps. People who have these symptoms and are involved with food handling, patient care, or the care of young children and the elderly must be excluded from such responsibilities until two negative cultures are obtained at least 24 hours apart and no sooner than 48 hours following discontinuation of antibiotics. Symptomatic children should be excluded from day care and school until their diarrhea stops. Only humans can become infected with shigella. Illness usually lasts four to seven days, but may continue for weeks or months.