The rise alarmed officials, spurring them to educate schools and child care centers about preventing the bacterial infection. But with school back in session and day care centers in full swing, the number of cases could reach higher by the end of the year. There are certainly very large day cares in and around the state. Caused by the bacteria Shigella, shigellosis is an inflammation of the lining of the small intestine. Those infected generally experience diarrhea, fever, and nausea.
Symptoms also can include abdominal pain and headaches.
The bacteria are spread through fecal-oral transmission and frequently are the result of poor sanitation, contaminated food, and crowded living conditions. Failing to wash hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers can result in the transmission of the bacteria. Shigellosis affects five out of 10,000 people nationwide. It is more common in children and generally passes within three days. Those infected should drink electrolyte fluids to replace fluid lost through diarrhea.