KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT BILL GRAVES, GOVERNOR Gary R. Mitchell, Secretary

November 5, 1997

Contact: Judy Seltzer Don Brown

316-694-2900 785-296-1529

Health Officials Offer Advice to Contain Shigella Increase

The Reno County Health Department and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment today issued prevention guidelines to reduce the spread of Shigella bacteria in Hutchinson. The two departments are cooperating in an investigation of Shigellosis in the community.

Reno County health officials have confirmed six cases of Shigellosis, and are testing other symptomatic individuals. Kansas recorded 112 cases of Shigellosis last year.

Residents can prevent infection and transmission of shigella by:

• always washing hands after toileting, before preparing and serving meals, and before eating,
• washing fruits and vegetables before eating, and
• always washing hands after petting animals and changing diapers.

Shigella is transmitted fecally-orally, usually by direct contact with an infected person, or by consuming contaminated food or water. Based on the information collected, officials at both departments report the current shigella cases appear to be spread from person-to-person. No single point source has been identified.

If the community follows the prevention guidelines, particularly good handwashing, the transmission of Shigella is expected to be more promptly contained. It is particularly important to monitor these hygiene practices in young children, who often are the source of infection.

Symptoms of Shigellosis include diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Severe cases may result in death. Other cases may be mild and asymptomatic. Illness is often self-limiting usually lasting four to seven days.

Persons who currently have or, in the past week, had a bout of diarrhea should contact their family physician or health department. Treatment may involve the use of antibiotics.