Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 540
McKinney, TX 75069
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Leigh Hornsby, Public Information Officer
972-548-4772
publicrelations@co.collin.tx.us
June 11, 2003
Collin County health officials investigate shigella; offer tips in avoiding exposure
(McKinney, TX) - The Collin County Health Department is reporting an increase in shigella cases, but officials say the ailment is both treatable and avoidable. Shigella is a potential recreation water illness that can cause bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea and cramping. Individuals can get it when they swallow contaminated water.
Normally, between four and six Collin County residents will have diarrhea caused by shigella each month. Recently, the rate has increased to 12-16 people per month. However, county health officials are quick to warn the count may be up because there is a better investigation of these illnesses at the health department.
While school was in session, the county environmental health department and city environmental health workers were able to inspect schools where cases with shigella were noted. Inspections verified that schools were following good policies and procedures pertaining to environmental health. In fact, all schools scored greater than 95% on inspections. The schools then made efforts to involve students in hand washing programs. Now that students are in summer break, children may be involved in more informal activities that may spread the ailment.
Here are some recommendations to avoid shigella:
- Do not send children with a fever or diarrhea to school or daycare
- Do not take children with diarrhea swimming
- Do not swallow pool water
- When lifeguards at public pools suspend swimming for breaks, take your child to the restroom … waiting to hear, “I have to go,” may be too late
- Do not change diapers poolside
- Wash children with soap and water before swimming
- For children in daycare, day camp or Vacation Bible School settings, make sure they wash their hands often. Children can also apply alcohol rubs to their hands, according to the manufacturer’s directions. Adults and children must wash hands before serving snacks.
- Do not swallow water when playing or fishing in untreated water like creeks or lakes.
Adults caring for children with diarrhea are very susceptible. Make sure that toilets are flushed with the seats down. After washing hands, use paper towels instead of cloth towels. When recovering, stay home until 24 hours after diarrhea has stopped. And, all persons are encouraged to continue to practice good hand washing.
Individuals may recover from shigella without antibiotics. However, severe cases may require medication. A physician will decided whether or not antibiotics should be used.
The Collin County Health Department is coordinating with environmental inspections with city environmental health departments. The county has been investigating these cases, deeming some as either confirmed or probable. The county is also submitting specimens to the Texas Department of Health to determine whether Collin County’s shigella is similar to that identified in other outbreaks in the state.
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