Public Health officials are seeing a rise in Shigellosis cases in the Cleveland area, especially among children. As a result, the Cleveland Department of Public Health is encouraging parents, schools, daycare centers, and health care providers to take precautionary actions to prevent the spread of Shigellosis.

Shigellosis is a highly contagious form of diarrhea caused by Shigella bacteria. Shigella spreads from person to person contact and may cause severe diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Parents of children, or anyone with symptoms of Shigellosis should contact their healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms may last from 48 to 72 hours and frequently include diarrhea (may be watery or bloody), fever, and stomach cramps. School aged children and children in daycare centers should not return to school until symptoms have ceased and laboratory cultures test negative for Shigella.

So what can you do? The best option is prevention:

  • Wash hands with soap carefully and frequently, especially after going to the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before preparing food or beverages.
  • Do not prepare food for others while ill with diarrhea.
  • Sick children AND adults should stay home until cleared by a doctor to return to school or work.
  • Keep children with diarrhea out of childcare settings and common play areas.
  • Supervise hand washing of toddlers and small children after they use the toilet.
  • Dispose of soiled diapers properly.
  • Disinfect diaper changing areas after using them.
  • Avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Shigella:  Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Shigella outbreaks. The Shigella lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Shigella and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $600 million for clients.  Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our Shigella lawyers have litigated Shigella cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a variety of sources, such as tomatoes, airplane and restaurant food.

If you or a family member became ill with a Shigella infection after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Shigella attorneys for a free case evaluation.