The
Saint Joseph County Health Department is warning people about an outbreak of
Shigella in the county. So far, the department says the cases are associated
with daycare settings.
According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Shigella is an infectious
disease caused by a group of bacteria. Most people develop symptoms like diarrhea,
fever, and stomach cramps starting a day or two after they are exposed to the
bacteria. The diarrhea is often bloody.
While
the CDC says people with the infection rarely require hospitalization, some
people can have severe reaction. The county health department says young children,
anyone with compromised immune systems and the elderly are at the greatest
risk.
The
health department also advises anyone with diarrhea lasting longer than 24
hours or having bloody stool are strongly encouraged to see their medical
provider and should not prepare food, provide healthcare to others, or attend
school or daycare.
