BROWARD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

 

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The Facts on Shigellosis

 

What is Shigellosis? Shigellosis is a diarrheal illness caused by the Shigella group of bacteria. Only a few bacteria are needed to cause an infection.

 

What causes Shigellosis?  Infection is spread by the fecal-oral route. Children who do not wash their hands thoroughly with soap and hot running water may spread the disease to teachers, children, and other family members.

 

Text Box: HAND WASHING IS THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT SHIGELLOSIS. What are the symptoms?  Depending on the infectious dose, infection with shigella may be very mild or it may result in severe bloody diarrhea, fever, cramping, nausea and vomiting. Numerous outbreaks have been reported from school settings. Children may spread infections acquired in childcare or school facilities to their parents and siblings and whole families may be ill within a matter of days. Deaths have been reported from this illness.

 

How can Shigellosis be prevented?  The best method to prevent Shigellosis is to make sure all children and adults carefully wash their hands with soap and water every time they use the restroom.

 

If a case of Shigellosis is suspected in a child care or school facility,these procedures should be followed:

 

*   Contact the Broward County Health Department at (954) 847-3567. The health department will assist with advice, case identification, investigation, and management of contacts. Prompt intervention may help prevent the spread of shigellosis to others.

*   Exclude the ill child and any children who subsequently develop diarrhea from school until they no longer have diarrhea and have been shown to be free of the shigella bacteria. In sensitive situations, State of Florida public health regulations require proof that infected persons are no longer excreting shigella bacteria before they can return to their normal activities.  The Broward County Health Department will notify you when the infected persons can return to school or work.

*   Make sure procedures for cleaning and disinfecting are being followed; that shared items are being cleaned and disinfected between use by children who are likely to put them in their mouths, especially in groups where there have been ill children.  Never change diapers on any surface for food preparation or serving.  Wear gloves while changing diapers and wash hands thoroughly afterward.

*   Notify parents of children in the involved classroom of the illness. Tell them to take any child with diarrhea, vomiting or severe cramping to a physician for evaluation. Ask them to inform you of diarrheal illness in their child and family.

*   Explain the value of handwashing with soap and running water in stopping the spread of infection in the home. In the event of an outbreak, the Broward County Health Department may recommend a more extensive notification of parents.

 

For more information, contact the Broward County Health Department at 954/847-3567.

 

          2421A SW 6th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL  33315                  July 1999