Shigella
Diarrhea can spread illnesses like Shigellosis. Shigellosis is an infection of the intestines caused by bacteria called Shigella.
When there are outbreaks of shigellosis in a community, ill children and adults are often linked to child care centers because it spreads easily and is most common among 2 – 4 year old children who are not fully toilet-trained.
Family members, child care providers and playmates are also at high risk of becoming sick and infecting others.
Shigella Spreads Easily
Shigella spreads from one person to the next through the stool (poop) of infected people. It most often spreads when someone does not wash his/her hands well after using the restroom, changing a diaper or helping a child with toileting.
Handwashing and careful diaper changing are key to preventing new infections, as well as staying out of child care settings until cleared by the local health department to return.
Shigella Can Be Serious
It may seem like just a case of diarrhea to some, but it can mean a hospitalization for a child, as well as an adult – a big deal to a family. The risk for serious complications goes up as more people are infected. Recovery and getting cleared to return to school or work also takes longer than other types of diarrheal illnesses, creating a hardship for child care centers and families who may need to take time off from work.
What to Look For
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Stomach Cramps
• Nausea or Vomiting
Some people may have no symptoms, but can still spread the bacteria.
What You Can Do
• Wash hands with soap carefully and often, especially after going to the bathroom, after changing diapers and before preparing food or beverages.
• Supervise handwashing of toddlers and small children after they use the toilet.
• Dispose of soiled diapers in a closed lid can and disinfect diaper changing areas after each use.
• Keep children with diarrhea out of child care settings.
• Do not prepare food for others while ill with diarrhea.
More Information on Preventing Shigella
http://publichealth.columbus.gov/preventshigella.aspx