Shigella cases triple last year’s total in Hillsborough County
The number of Shigellosis cases reported in Hillsborough County, FL in 2017 year-to-date is more than triple the number reported during the same period last year, according to data from the Hillsborough County Health Department.
Shigella image/CDC
During the first nine months of the year, health officials have reported 148 shigellosis cases. This compares 48 cases reported from Jan. through Sep. 2016. No reason for the increase in cases was noted.
This is the most cases reported in the county since 2015 when more than 200 cases were reported.
Other reportable gastrointestinal diseases up this year in Hillsborough County include Campylobacteriosis, Cyclosporiasis and Vibriosis.
Shigellosis is a bacterial infection caused the the bacterium, Shigella. It is spread from person-to-person through the fecal-oral route. The bacteria can be transferred easily among children because of their poor hand washing habits and tendency to put things in their mouths. People can also become infected by consuming food or drinks prepared by an infected person or handling or cleaning up feces.
Because Shigella is resistant to gastric acid, a person can get infected with as little as 10 organisms.
Symptoms usually begin 24 to 72 hours after exposure and last about four to seven days without treatment; however, severe infections may require antibiotics.
The CDC offers the following recommendations for preventing the spread of Shigella: Wash hands with soap carefully and frequently, especially after going to the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before preparing foods or beverages; Dispose of soiled diapers properly; Disinfect diaper changing areas after using them; Keep children with diarrhea out of child care settings; Supervise handwashing of toddlers and small children after they use the toilet; Do not prepare food for others while ill with diarrhea and avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.
Every year, about 14,000 cases of shigellosis are reported in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
