In Seminole County, Florida, health officials are reporting a Shigella outbreak linked to an Altamonte Springs day care, according to an WFTV report.
The numbers of people affected, including children was not disclosed.
Health officials say it could take weeks, possibly months to pinpoint the source the source.
“Our epidemiology team works to contact whoever has symptoms to ask any questions to them and try to figure out how people got this bacteria,” said Mirna Chamorro, with the Florida Department of Health.
The day care involved can remain open as the investigation is ongoing, but the situation will be monitored, the report notes.
Most Shigella infections are the result of bacteria passing from improperly washed hands from one person to the mouth of another person, often through handling contaminated objects or food. Poor hand washing and hygiene (especially after changing diapers or toileting) increases the risk of infection.
People infected with Shigella may have fever, stomach cramping, and mild or severe diarrhea, often with traces of blood or mucus in the stool.
However, some infected people may not show any symptoms at all. Symptoms occur from 1-7 days after exposure, but usually within 1-3 days, and last an average of 4-7 days.
In Hillsborough County, health officials reported one confirmed and two probable mumps cases, according to a ABC Action News report.
The three cases are all family members, one adult and two children, the report notes.
“In many instances, mumps is a relatively mild illness, but it has the potential to cause long-term health problems,” said Doug Holt, MD, Director of the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County. “The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the best way to protect not only yourself, but your family and community from the spread of the mumps virus.”
Mumps is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the mumps virus and is spread by talking, coughing or sneezing as well as sharing items, such as cups or eating utensils with others, and touching objects or surfaces with unwashed hands that are then touched by others.
Mumps is best known for the puffy cheeks and swollen jaw it causes as a result of swollen salivary glands. Symptoms usually appear 16-18 days after infection, yet can range from 12-25 days. The most common symptoms include: fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides.
Children should be immunized against mumps with the combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) vaccine. Children should receive two doses, with the first at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second at four to six years of age. Adolescents and adults may require two doses of MMR and people with underlying health conditions should discuss additional booster doses with their health care provider. The department encourages all Floridians who have not been immunized to get vaccinated.
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