BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) – The Butte County Department of Public Health (BCPH) is monitoring and investigating an outbreak of the Shigella bacteria in Oroville—a type of stomach bug that causes an infection called shigellosis. At this time, BCPH has received lab confirmation of five cases with additional persons under investigation. Some of these cases have resulted in hospitalizations. Shigella spreads easily from person to person, however, the risk to the general public remains low, especially when people practice consistent personal hygiene habits, such as washing hands with soap and water.

While anyone can become infected with Shigella, to date, all of the cases and persons under investigation have occurred in persons experiencing homelessness. BCPH has been providing targeted outreach and education directly to those impacted.

BCPH is working closely with the infected persons, healthcare partners, the City of Oroville and community organizations to ensure good hygienic precautions, identify additional cases, and connect individuals to treatment.

Symptoms of Shigella usually start one to five days after exposure and may last up to seven days. Symptoms typically resolve on their own. Most people with shigellosis experience:

• Diarrhea that can be bloody or prolonged (lasting more than 3 days)
• Fever
• Stomach pain
• Feeling the need to pass stool (poop) even when the bowels are empty

To avoid dehydration, people with diarrhea should drink water or other non-caffeinated/non-alcoholic fluids. People with prolonged or worsening symptoms should contact their healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine to treat illness caused by Shigella.

People at increased risk include:

• Children younger than 5 years old
• Travelers to places where water and food may be unsafe and sanitation is poor
• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men
• People experiencing homelessness
• People who have weakened immune systems

How is Shigella transmitted?

Shigella spreads easily; swallowing just a small amount of the bacteria can make someone sick. Shigella germs are in fecal matter (poop), so anything that gets contaminated by poop can potentially spread the germs. Shigella can spread from one person to another or through contaminated water, food, surfaces, or objects. Some ways Shigella can get into your mouth are:

• Getting Shigella on your hands and touching your mouth. Shigella can get on your hands by:
• Touching contaminated surfaces, such as toys, bathroom fixtures, changing tables, and diaper pails.
• Changing the diaper of a child with an infection.
• Taking care of a person with an infection, including cleaning up after the person uses the toilet.
• Eating food prepared by someone with a Shigella infection
• Swallowing water that you swim or play in, such as lake or creek water or improperly treated swimming pool water.
• Swallowing contaminated drinking water, such as water from a well contaminated with sewage or flood water.
• Exposure to poop during sexual contact with someone with a Shigella infection or who has recently recovered from a Shigella infection.

How to prevent a Shigella infection?

You can reduce your chance of getting infected by following these tips:

• Carefully wash your hands with soap and water during key times:
• Before any sexual activity.
• Before preparing food or eating.
• After going to the bathroom, changing a diaper, or cleaning up after someone who went to the bathroom.
• Take care when changing diapers.
• As soon as you change a diaper, throw it away in a covered, lined garbage can.
• Clean up any leaks or spills from the diaper right away.
• Wash your hands and the child’s hands with soap and water right away.
• Avoid swallowing water while swimming.
• If you or your partner has been diagnosed with Shigella, do not have sex. To reduce the chance of Shigella spreading, wait at least two weeks after diarrhea ends to have sex.

For more information on Shigella, please visit the CDC’s Shigella information website (www.cdc.gov/shigella/about/index.html).