Friday, October 2, 2015

Shigella Information Sheet


Shigella: what it is and what you can do to protect yourself and your family
Handwashing is the #1 way to prevent Shigella

What is Shigella?

       Shigella is a bacterial infection that may cause diarrhea, fever stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches and in severe cases, convulsions

       People infected with Shigella may have no symptoms

       ANYONE can get Shigella

       If you come into contact with Shigella, you may not notice symptoms for 1 – 3 days (symptoms usually appear 12 – 96 hours after exposure)

       The Kansas City metro area is experiencing an increase in this infection

How is Shigella spread?

       Shigella is spread when an uninfected person get the feces/stool of an infected person in their mouth

       People can come in contact with Shigella from hands, objects or food handled by someone infected with Shigella

       It only takes a few bacteria, sometimes as few as 10 organisms to make a person sick

What about daycare, work or school?

       Children who attend daycare or adults who work in daycare should not return until they have had one Shigella-free stool culture

       Persons who work in food service or health care should not return to work until they have had two Shigella-free stool cultures

       Persons with diarrhea should not attend school until their diarrhea has been completely gone for at least 24 hours

What else should I know about Shigella?

       Consult your Healthcare Provider if anyone in your household has symptoms of Shigella

       Your Healthcare provider will decide if you need to take antibiotics

Shigella Do’s

       Wash your hands after using the toilet, after assisting a child with toileting or after changing a diaper. Wash the child’s or infant’s hands as well

       Wash your hands before preparing/handling or eating food or beverages

       Clean and sanitize any objects that come into contact with feces. This includes toilets, potty chairs, sinks, toys, and diaper changing areas. Use a product that kills bacteria.

       Wash fresh fruits and vegetables before eating

       Wash and cut melons under running water

Shigella Don’ts

       Don’t take over the-counter anti-diarrheal medications, as they may only make this infection worse.

       Don’t allow play in sand boxes, play-dough or anything else that cannot be cleaned.

       Don’t use a swimming pool, water park, standing water table play or shared baths for at least 2 weeks after the diarrhea has stopped.

What is the best way to wash my hands?

       Wet hands with warm water and apply soap

       Rub soap over tops and palms of each hand, including wrists and fingernails for at least 20 seconds. Hum “Happy Birthday” twice

       Dry hands with a paper towel or allow to air dry

 

More information for child care providers can be found at the link below on pages 197-199:


 Please contact the Platte County Health Department at 816-858-2412 if you have any additional questions or concerns

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