In a follow-up to a report in mid-December, the shigellosis outbreak in Borough Park and Williamsburg in Brooklyn has nearly doubled during the past month.

Image/CDC
Image/CDC

New York City health officials reported 43 Shigella cases in Jewish community one month ago. Now, a CBS New York reports that the case count now stands at 80.

Vasudha Reddy of the Health Department said, “Our biggest concern is that we want to prevent the spread.” Health officials have visited yeshiva schools to educate them on Shigella prevention.

Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. Most who are infected with Shigella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps starting a day or two after they are exposed to the bacteria.

Shigellosis usually resolves in 5 to 7 days. Some people who are infected may have no symptoms at all, but may still pass the Shigella bacteria to others. The spread of Shigella can be stopped by frequent and careful handwashing with soap and taking other hygiene measures.