NewsDesk @bactiman63

In a follow-up on the Shigella outbreak in Eureka, California, Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services now reports seven confirmed cases, 11 suspected and 10 probable cases.

Image/CDC

According to Christine Messinger, a spokesperson for the county’s Department of Health and Human Services as reported in the Times Standard, So far, no one has been hospitalized locally solely for shigella, but a few patients needed hospitalization because of other health conditions that were made worse by coming into contact with Shigella.

Health officials say Public and Environmental Health officials are working to contain local cases of Shigella infection. People infected with Shigella bacteria can experience fever, stomach cramps and diarrhea, which may be bloody.

Symptoms can start one to two days after exposure—sometimes longer—and typically last around a week. More severe cases can persist for weeks, sometimes even months, and can be treated with antibiotics.

People with Shigella infection need to stay home from school or from health care, food service or childcare jobs while sick. Don’t share food. Stay out of pools and hot tubs, don’t have sex for at least two weeks after symptoms subside.

But by far the best way to prevent the spread of shigellosis is to wash your hands frequently.