Food Safety Report: Shigellosis outbreak in Lavaca County, TX - Unknown source

Texas, United States

The Texas Department of State Health Services Public Health Region 8 (DSHS PHR 8) is currently investigating an outbreak of shigellosis in Lavaca County. They are working to identify the source of the outbreak by interviewing individuals who have become sick and collecting food samples from a location where multiple individuals have eaten before becoming sick. To date, they do not mention how many people are infected.

Shigellosis is an infection caused by ingesting Shigella bacteria. The bacteria spread easily, and people can become infected by eating food prepared by someone with shigellosis, swallowing water while swimming in a lake or improperly treated swimming pool, or touching surfaces or items contaminated with the bacteria from someone with an infection. It only takes a small amount of shigella bacteria to make a person sick.

In case you are sick with symptoms of shigella infection, DSHS PHR 8 recommends the following actions to help keep it from spreading:
- Wash your hands often using warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use a separate bathroom from other household members. If a separate bathroom is not available, clean and disinfect surfaces in the bathroom after each use.
- Do not prepare food for others while you are sick.
- Do not go swimming.
- Do not have sex for at least two weeks after the diarrhea ends.
- Stay home from school, daycare, or jobs in healthcare or food service until your symptoms have resolved for at least 24 hours (without taking medicine that would mask symptoms).

They also recommend to Healthcare Providers test patients for shigella if they report symptoms compatible with shigella infection. Obtain a detailed food history for all patients reporting symptoms of foodborne illnesses.

In case you are experiencing Shigellosis symptoms such as vomiting, Diarrhea that can be bloody or prolonged, stomach Pain, Fever, and urge to pass stool (poop) but bowels are empty, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/health-advisory-shigellosis-outbreak-lavaca-county