Shigella Lawyer & Attorney : Marler Clark : Shigella Blog

August 8, 2006
Devil's Lake Journal (ND)

DEVILS LAKE, N.D. - There are now a total of 44 cases laboratory-confirmed cases of shigellosis in North Dakota; 34 from Rolette County, six from Benson County, two from Ramsey County, one from Burleigh County and one from McKenzie County. Thirteen of these were previously reported from Rolette County in July 2006. Most cases are children younger than 18, and there have been 10 hospitalizations statewide.

Point of source of the bacteria is unknown, but evidence indicates person-to-person transmission. Health officials are continuing to investigate how the shigellosis is spreading in the community.

Shigella sonnei, the bacteria that causes shigellosis, are shed in the stools of infected people, both in those showing symptoms and those not appearing to be ill. Most people who have shigellosis develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps starting a day or two after they are exposed to the bacteria. The diarrhea may be bloody.

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Associated Press

BISMARCK, N.D. - Thirteen cases of the intestinal disease shigellosis have been confirmed in Rollette County this month, state health officials said.

State epidemiologist Kirby Kruger said 12 of the cases involve children, and six people have been hospitalized.

Kruger said five additional cases are pending laboratory confirmation.

Shigellosis is caused by shigella bacteria, which are spread through undercooked or contaminated food and poor hygiene. The illness can cause bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting and stomach cramps. Typical treatment is fluids and antibiotics.

The Health Department said a common source for the infections has not been found.

Kruger said some people sickened by the disease reported swimming at Lake Upsilon in Rolette County. Water samples from the lake this month tested negative for sewage contamination, he said.

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