NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The number of Shigellosis cases in New Hanover County are on the rise. The health department stresses the importance of good hand washing practices to prevent the spread of the illness.
According to the health department, Shigellosis is a diarrheal illness caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. It is usually transmitted when an infected person fails to properly wash their hands after using the restroom.
Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, cramping, nausea and vomiting. Children and providers can quickly spread the infection to parents, siblings or other children.
Strict hand washing with soap, running water and a good scrub can help prevent Shigellosis. It is important to clean and disinfect toys and diapering areas between each use.
Daycares facilities are responsible for excluding any child from care that has diarrhea and refer them to their medical care provider for evaluation.
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