Shigella Lawyer & Attorney : Marler Clark : Shigella Blog

Shigellosis usually does not originate from a water source, but when you are Alamosa, Colorado, you might just want to check to be sure. That's because last year, the water in the San Luis Valley town gave Salmonella poisoning to 400 people. Our last update on that can be found here.

Now, however, it's several culture confirmed cases of shigellosis among children in Alamosa County that has local Nursing Service Director Julie Geiser worried.  According to the Valley Courier:

Geiser said that Alamosa County Public Health has been working closely with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to address this outbreak. Outbreak control has focused on child care centers and preschools. “All childcare and preschool staff have been very cooperative in the attempt to control the spread of this bacteria,” she said.

While it is an inconvenience for working parents, sometimes it is necessary to keep children at home until a negative culture has been obtained, or the child has been treated, Geiser advised. Public Health is giving each affected center direction for handling the situation.

For more, go here.

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First, this is the 250th posting on the Shigella Blog since it was founded on March 10, 2005. We've tried to provide useful news, comment and analysis on this nasty bug. We are pleased with the comments and trust you will continue to give us feedback as we go forward.

Let us continue. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has its thinking hat on by coming up with a list of diseases that the whole state should try and avoid in 2009. Shigella and Norovirus made the list. IDPH says:

Norovirus causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps. Outbreaks have been associated with food and water, but most norovirus infections are spread from person to person, especially among family members. Shigellosis results in severe diarrhea which can be bloody and fever. Shigella is easily spread from person to person. To prevent both norovirus and shigella:

• Anyone who is ill with diarrhea, vomiting or fever should stay home and not work with food, the elderly, in health care or child care.
• Good hand washing must be done every time people use the toilet, change a diaper, or before they eat or prepare any food.
• Infants and children must also have their hands washed after diapers have been changed or after using the toilet, and before eating.

For more from IDPH on what to avoid in this New Year, go here.

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