Public Health Continues to Monitor Shigella Outbreak
Aug 01, 2024 11:25AM ● By Butte County Public Health News ReleaseBUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Butte County Department of Public Health (BCPH) has received concerns about Shigella transmission at Sycamore Pool, located at the One Mile Recreation area in Chico. Shigella is a type of stomach bug that causes an infection called shigellosis. The Butte County Department of Public Health has no reason to believe that the water at Sycamore Pool is a transmission source for Shigella. However, it’s important to note that creeks and streams are untreated water sources and can contain germs, bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause waterborne illness or infection. Practicing good hygiene after water play such as rinsing off your body with fresh water and washing your hands with soap and water before eating can prevent waterborne illness. People should avoid swallowing water while swimming.
Butte County Department of Public Health continues to monitor and investigate an outbreak of the Shigella bacteria that started in Oroville in May. Since May 21, Butte County Department of Public Health has received reports of 44 lab-confirmed shigella cases associated with this outbreak, with additional under investigation. This outbreak is primarily affecting persons who are experiencing homelessness, with the majority of these cases in Oroville. Shigella spreads easily from person to person, however, the risk to the general public remains low when people practice consistent personal hygiene habits, such as washing hands with soap and water.
Butte County Department of Public Health continues to work with local agencies and organizations to provide education and outreach to people impacted in both the Oroville and Chico areas, including coordination of treatment if needed. Butte County Department of Public Health has also distributed hand sanitizer and hygiene kits in Oroville and Chico homeless encampments.
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 contaminated 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).