Shigellosis is an acute bacterial infection characterized by (sometimes bloody) diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and often, fever. Humans are the only known reservoir. It is transmitted from person to person, and just a few organisms can cause illness. It is important to track the incidence of this disease to limit its transmission and prevent further spread. The rate is higher among children 1?4 years of age. The incidence of shigellosis usually increases in late summer and fall. Outbreaks in day-care centers are common, mainly due to poor hygienic practices of small children. Hand washing is the most important means of prevention. Treatment reduces duration of illness, but the organism has become resistant to many antibiotics used for empiric therapy. Testing for antibiotic susceptibility is important for treatment.
In the summer of 2003, there was an outbreak of 111 cases of S. sonnei infection associated with an interactive fountain in Marion County.
Shigellosis
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