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Shigellosis
Shigellosis is an infection of the intestines that occurs most often in children under 5 years old. Outbreaks can occur in early child and education settings because Shigella can spread easily from one person to another. It only takes a small number of bacteria to make someone ill.
Symptoms
Diarrhea (may be watery), fever, stomach cramps. Stools may contain blood or mucus. Illness usually lasts five to seven days. Some people may experience symptoms for up to four weeks or more.
Symptoms
Diarrhea (may be watery), fever, stomach cramps. Stools may contain blood or mucus. Illness usually lasts five to seven days. Some people may experience symptoms for up to four weeks or more.
Spread
Shigella leaves the body through the stool of an infected person and enters another person when hands, food, or objects (such as toys) contaminated with stool are placed in the mouth. Spread can occur with improper hand washing after toileting and changing diapers. You can also become infected by eating food prepared by an infected person or by swallowing contaminated water.
Spread
Shigella leaves the body through the stool of an infected person and enters another person when hands, food, or objects (such as toys) contaminated with stool are placed in the mouth. Spread can occur with improper hand washing after toileting and changing diapers. You can also become infected by eating food prepared by an infected person or by swallowing contaminated water.
Contagious Period
As long as Shigella is present in the stool—may be up to four weeks after illness.
Contagious Period
As long as Shigella is present in the stool—may be up to four weeks after illness.
Exclusion
Exclusion
Child Care:
Until asymptomatic and one negative stool culture. When taking antibiotics the sample should be taken with initial culture being done 48 hours after the completion of antibiotics.
School: None, unless the child is not feeling well and/or has diarrhea and needs to use the bathroom frequently. Exclusion may be necessary during outbreaks.
Anyone with Shigella should not go in lakes, pools, splash pads, water parks, or hot tubs until 2 weeks after diarrhea has stopped.
Child care staff should be excluded from childcare until asymptomatic and two negative stool cultures taken at least 24 hours apart with initial culture being done no sooner than 48 hours after completion of antibiotics if prescribed and taken.
Staff infected with Shigella and in recovery should be restricted from working in food service. Call your local health department to see if these restrictions apply.
Causes
Causes
Shigella bacteria
Incubation
It takes one to seven days (usually one to two days) from the time a person is exposed until symptoms develop.
Incubation
It takes one to seven days (usually one to two days) from the time a person is exposed until symptoms develop.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
Frequent, careful hand washing by child care staff, children, and household members.
Clean, rinse with clean water, then disinfect contaminated areas (diapering area, toilets, potty chairs) and sanitize toys at least daily and when soiled.
Do not use inflatable or plastic kiddie pools or inflatable slides because they can not be properly disinfected and can spread germs more easily.
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Provider: This disease is reportable to the local or state health department.
Parent/guardians: Inform your child care provider if your child has this illness.
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
Shigellosis.pdf
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