Shigellosis Outbreak in Kentucky Continues to Spread

What is Shigellosis? A Food-Borne infectious disease; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shigellosis

Date: Fri 14 May 2010
Source: ProMed and


Kentucky health officials in 3 counties are attempting to battle an
outbreak of shigellosis that has continued for several weeks, but
despite their efforts, the disease continues to spread.

The outbreak, 1st reported at the beginning of May 2010, has more
than doubled in size every week, according to weekly updates from
local news media. There are now a reported 30 cases in Daviess
County; additional cases have been confirmed in Meade and Hardin counties.

Most of those sickened by the outbreak are children under 13.
Shigellosis is a highly contagious disease caused by a bacterial
infection and is spread mainly through food and drink contamination.
Day care workers say the disease is especially common among young
children who routinely put things in their mouths and don't wash their hands.

In response, health officials are urging residents to constantly wash
their hands. Day care workers are also urging kids to wash their
hands and warning parents about the possible symptoms and precautions
associated with a shigellosis outbreak.

[Byline: Danielle Koagel]

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Communicated by:
ProMED-mail


[The species of _Shigella_ in the outbreak is not stated. Indeed,
because this infection spreads more readily than salmonellosis with a
low inoculum, it is easier to transmit in day care and school
settings. - Mod.LL]

[For a map of the USA with states, see
(Kentucky is abbreviated as KY). - Mod.MPP]

[see also:
Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update 2010 (08): Asia 20100524.1723
Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update 2010 (07): Asia, Americas 20100324.0936
Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update 2010 (06): Africa 20100319.0881
Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update 2010 (05): Asia, Africa 20100219.0573
Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update 2010 (04): Africa 20100216.0550
Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update 2010 (03): Asia, Oceania 20100212.0499
Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update 2010 (02): Africa 20100208.0428
Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update 2010 (01): Europe, Asia 20100205.0387
2009
----
Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update 2009 (30) 20091125.4044
Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update 2009 (01) 20090102.0015
2008
----
Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update 2008 (57) 20081231.4125
Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update 2008 (01) 20080104.0047
2007
----
Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update 2007 (67) 20071231.4200
Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update 2007 (01) 20070105.0047
2006
----
Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update 2006 (52) 20061229.3646
Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update 2006 (01) 20060106.0040]
.................................................ll/msp/mpp