According to Kathy Mogel, Program Coordinator of the Onondaga County Health Department, there are now 45 cases of "confirmed, probable, and suspect" Shigella in that county. "The health department is continuing to investigate every case for linkages but the source remains unknown," Ms. Mogel told Food Poisoning Bulletin. Three weeks have passed since the initial outbreak announcement. Shigella bacteria is spread through drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated food, and cross-contamination through person-to-person contact. To prevent further spread of the disease, public health officials recommend the following: thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before preparation; cook foods to appropriate temperatures; minimize cross-contamination by washing cutting boards, knives, and … [Read more...]
Shigella Outbreak in Onondaga County, New York Grows
Kathy Mogel, Program Coordinator of the Onondaga County Health Department told Food Poisoning Bulletin that there are 20 confirmed cases of Shigella in that county. There are news reports that there are as many as 34 cases, but we're reporting what the Health Department tells us. Ms. Mogel said that the age range of patients is from 2 to 84, with about 50% of the cases occurring in children under the age of 10. The Department believes that person to person transmission, also called secondary transmission, is a "significant factor" in the outbreak. The Health Department is investigating the original source but has not pinpointed one as of June 27, 2012. Shigella is a bacteria that is spread through eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water, and person-to-person contact. … [Read more...]
Shigella Outbreak in Onondaga County, New York
Dr. Cynthia Morrow, Commissioner of Health for Onondaga County in New York state, announced on June 22, 2012 that there are 15 lab confirmed and 10 probable cases of shigellosis in that county. More cases are expected as the investigation continues. "Shigellosis is an infectious disease called by a group of bacteria called Shigella," she explained. "It is associated with consuming water or products contaminated with fecal matter. The incubation period is 1 - 3 days. Many people who are infected with Shigella develop fever, painful bloody or mucous diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Shigellosis usually resolves in 5 - 7 days. The disease is often worse in children and medical treatment is sometimes necessary in severe cases." Some people can be carriers of the Shigella bacteria with no … [Read more...]
