There are now 15 confirmed cases of Shigella in Daviess County, Kentucky. Health department officials are asking people to exercise good hand hygiene at the BBQ Festival this weekend. Shigella is an intestinal infection caused by bacteria. It is usually self-limiting in most individuals but can also be very serious. Three steps you can take to help prevent the illness is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, stay home if you're sick and disinfect surfaces. Certain high-risk groups such as the very young can be especially prone to developing complications.