Cases of shigellosis increase in Scott County

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| Friday, May 30, 2008 9:31 AM CDT | () comments

QUAD-CITY TIMES

The number of shigellosis cases in Scott County has increased dramatically over the past few weeks, according to health department officials.

Typically, five cases are reported monthly, but there have been 22 cases so far in May.

The illness, a type of bacterial dysentery, is a stomach infection caused by the shigella bacterium, which is found in the feces of infected persons.

It is spread easily through the failure to wash one’s hands after using the bathroom or restroom, officials said. The main symptoms are diarrhea, often bloody, with cramps.

Health officials say persons with diarrhea should stay home until the symptoms are gone for 24 hours. Shigella may be passed to others for up to four weeks after the diarrhea stops.

The most effective preventive measure is frequent hand-washing, including cleaning under the fingernails, where bacteria can hide. Hands should be washed with soap and warm, running water for at least 15 seconds after using the restroom, they say.

Most people recover from shigellosis without treatment, health officials said, and antibiotics are used only in very severe cases.

Anti-diarrhea medications such as Immodium or Lomotil are not recommended because they appear to make the illness last longer, health officials said.

For more information, call the Scott County Health Department at (563) 326-8618.