23.jun.06
South Dakota State News Web
Dr. Lon Kightlinger, South Dakota Department of Health
PIERRE, S.D. ñ South Dakota has reported 54 cases of shigellosis so far in 2006, with 24 of those cases coming since June 1. A total of 131 cases were reported for all of 2005.
ìShigellosis is a fairly common bacterial disease affecting the intestinal tract. The single most important preventive measure for shigellosis is careful hand-washing after using the toilet,î said Dr. Lon Kightlinger, State Epidemiologist for the South Dakota Department of Health.
Dr. Kightlinger said the majority of recent cases have been in south central South Dakota in the counties of Todd, Tripp, Bennett, Shannon, Gregory, Charles Mix and Mellette. Most of the cases have been children in day care and their families. The median age of the cases is 5 years old and the range is 1 to 53 years. Half are male and half female and 87% are American Indian, 8% white, and 5% race unknown.
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