higHumboldt County Department of Health & Human Services Public health and environmental health officials are advising community residents who attended a dinner at the Elks Lodge in Eureka, CA on Wednesday, August 28, that they may have been exposed to Shigella.
Visitors experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems should contact their doctor and take steps to avoid spreading the highly contagious infection.
Cases of Shigella infection are increasing in the province after at least six people tested positive for the disease since August.
The first cluster of three cases was identified in late August. It appears that the individuals all became infected sometime in mid-August and a link between the individuals could not be confirmed. Based on this information, Public Health issued a Provider Alert to monitor for possible cases in case there was ongoing community spread.
Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Candy Stockton said staff have been notified of three new confirmed cases and five suspected cases linked to the August 28 event in the past 24 hours.
“We are receiving additional reports of individuals with gastrointestinal symptoms who were also at that event and are in the process of following up with each of these individuals,” Stockton said. “While it is possible that other sources were involved, it is highly likely that there was community spread during this event. Based on this, we are taking steps to inform everyone who attended the event of the importance of preventing further spread if they become ill.”
Public health staff conducting contact tracing say the two clusters do not appear to be connected.
“We usually see a lot of stomach flu and bacteria circulating at this time of year and this is a good reminder that it is important to stay at home and not expose other people. If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, wait 24 to 48 hours for symptoms to resolve,” Stockton said, adding that it is especially important for those in the health care, child care and food sectors to follow these precautions.
Shigella germs are found in feces, and the infection is spread by eating food or drinking liquids contaminated by an infected person, or when a person touches a contaminated surface or object and then touches their mouth or puts the object in his mouth stops. People who have contracted shigellosis typically experience fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea that may be bloody.
The onset of symptoms of shigellosis usually occurs one to two days after exposure, but can last longer, lasting about a week. Infected people can remain contagious for up to six weeks after symptoms have disappeared.
Most people with shigellosis recover completely without serious complications. In rare cases, Shigella can cause bloodstream infections, seizures, kidney failure, or arthritis.
The best way to prevent the spread of shigellosis is to wash your hands:
Before, during and after preparing food
Before eating
Before and after caring for someone who is ill
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
After touching waste
After changing diapers or cleaning up after a child who has gone to the toilet
After touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste
After handling pet food or pet treats.
People with shigellosis should:
Stay home from school or from health care, food service, or child care jobs while you are sick
Avoid sharing food
Avoid swimming and hot tubs
Abstain from sex for at least two weeks after symptoms disappear.
If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor or call Public Health at 707-268-2182.