Local health officials in Madison are investigating an outbreak of Shigellosis. It’s a bacterial infection caused by consuming food or water with fecal matter. Public Health – Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) reports that 18 cases have been reported since September 20th – one fewer than in all of last year. Children and young adults make up the majority of Dane County’s cases. Only one person over 40 has gotten sick.
Twelve of the cases are genetically similar and could be related, but PHMDC are not sure how. All but three of the cases are from Madison – the others are from nearby Monona, Stoughton, and Belleville.
Shigellosis can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. People diagnosed with shigella should NOT be working in food and health care settings until they have had two negative lab tests 24 hours apart, with the first sample collected at least 48 hours after the last dose of antibiotics. People who attend or work in a day care setting are also required to have a test proving that they are cured before they may return to the site.
WIBA