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June 29, 2005

INFECTIOUS DISEASE ON THE RISE THIS SUMMER; 20 CASES OF
SHIGELLOSIS IN EASTERN JACKSON COUNTY

INDEPENDENCE, MO

The Jackson County Health Department (JACOHD) advises parents to think about summer safety for their children including protecting them from infectious diseases, especially while swimming, attending day care, camp or summer school or participating events such as picnics.

Increases in Shigellosis have been noted in eastern Jackson County according to Dr. Paula Livingston, Director, JACOHD. All of the 20 cases reported to JACOHD this year have been reported since mid-May.

JACOHD reports that Shigellosis (Shigella) is on the rise throughout Missouri, including the Kansas City metropolitan area. Missouri ranks third in the nation in the rate of Shigella cases. Shigellosis is a common infectious disease caused by bacteria often found in contaminated water and food. It can also be transmitted on hands that have been contaminated by the Shigella bacteria.

"Summer is a great time to be outside, but residents of Jackson County should follow appropriate measures to prevent exposure to bacteria such as Shigella," said Dr. Livingston. "We also encourage everyone to be alert to the symptoms of Shigella and get proper treatment."

The symptoms of Shigella are:

• Loose stools of small volume accompanied by nausea and fever
• Stools which contain blood and/or mucus
• Vomiting, stomach cramps and a painful urgent but ineffectual attempt to urinate or defecate
• Convulsions (most commonly found in young children)

Symptoms develop between one and three days after exposure to Shigella, but it can be as much as seven days for some people. Persons are contagious from the time they begin to feel ill until the time there are no more bacteria in their stool. Being treated with the appropriate medicine can reduce the amount of time the bacteria can be passed to other people, but left untreated, Shigella bacteria can remain in the stool for four weeks or more.

Shigella can usually be treated with antibiotics. Persons with mild infections will usually recover quickly without antibiotic treatment. Antidiarrheal medications, such as Imodium or Lomotil, are likely to make the illness worse and should be avoided. People who have symptoms or think they may have been exposed to Shigellosis should contact their healthcare provider for consultation and treatment.

The following measures should be taken to prevent Shigella:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before preparing or eating food
• Dispose of diapers correctly. Diapers should be put in a leak-proof container with a closed-lid. You must wash your hands carefully after changing diapers. Diaper changing areas should also be disinfected with household bleach or bactericidal disinfectant wipes
• Keep children with diarrhea out of childcare settings
• Children and adults with diarrhea should remain out of public and private swimming pools, saunas or spas for two weeks following the end of diarrhea
• Refrain from preparing food or beverages (at home or in a restaurant) if you have diarrhea
• If you have Shigella-like symptoms, seek medical attention

For more information, contact the Jackson County Health Department at 816-404-6415.

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