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The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is seeing an increase in cases of Shigella infection in six coastal counties. There have been 103 cases to date this year in Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, Pearl River, Stone and George counties, compared to four cases as of October 23 of last year. Of the 103 cases, 71 are in Harrison County and 10 cases are in Hancock County.
Shigellosis is an infectious bacterial disease that causes diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. It is passed from person to person when there is poor hand washing after a bowel movement or diaper change. Infection can then occur by hand to mouth contact or by eating food prepared by workers with contaminated hands. In some people, especially young children and the elderly, the diarrhea can be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.
The spread of shigellosis can be prevented by frequent and careful handwashing with soap and warm water. Handwashing is important for all age groups, since adults can spread the disease to children.
"Hand washing is our frontline defense against shigellosis," said Dr. Robert Travnicek, MSDH Health Officer for District IX. "Parents and children should wash their hands vigorously for 20 seconds with warm water and soap in order to prevent infection."
Hands should be washed with soap and rinsed with clean warm water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, before and after cooking a meal and before eating. Adults should supervise the handwashing of children to make sure that it is done effectively.
MSDH will continue to monitor this situation and update the public as needed.
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Press Contact: Liz Sharlot , Elizabeth Grey or Carol Jarvis Jones, (601) 576-7667
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