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Hand Washing Recommended

MCMINNVILLE, Ore. -- Yamhill County Public Health officials are investigating a large number of shigellosis cases.

Authorities say initial results show that the majority of people who have become ill ate at Tommys Restaurant in McMinnville between Jan. 23 and 27.

Officials say anyone who ate at Tommys in that time frame and is experiencing severe diarrhea with a fever should see their medical care provider immediately.

Shigellosis is caused by a bacterium and is spread when people consume contaminated food or water. The symptoms usually last for several days but can last for weeks.

The best way to prevent the spread of shigella bacteria is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the bathroom or changing diapers.

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McMINNVILLE, Ore. (AP) -- Health officials in Yamhill County are reporting an outbreak of the bacterial disease shigellosis, often known as shigella.

They say early indications are that most victims ate at Tommy's Restaurant in McMinnville between January 23rd and January 27th.

Symptoms can include severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach cramps.

Environmental Health supervisor Matt Jaqua said officials are worried about secondary cases, where people become infected after being exposed to people who are ill.

Symptoms usually last for two or three days but can last for weeks.

The illness is carried only by humans and is spread by fecal-oral contamination from ill or contagious individuals to others.

Jaqua said the restaurant is helping in the investigation. He said hand-washing goes a long way toward preventing the spread of the illness.

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