Pima County is warning residents about a rise in Shigella infections over the past year, with no single source of the outbreak identified.
The county posted the alert on its newsroom page on Monday, Oct. 26, under the heading "Stop Shigella Before It Spreads." KVOA reported on the warning on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Shigella is a germ that spreads when small amounts of feces reach hands, food, water or surfaces and are then transferred to the mouth, according to county health officials. It spreads easily in shared and high-traffic spaces and can cause serious infections in vulnerable populations.
Symptoms include watery or bloody diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, fever, fatigue and vomiting.
The warning applies countywide, which includes Oro Valley and Catalina Foothills. County officials have not released specific case counts or identified a common source of the infections.
How to reduce the risk
Health officials say the easiest prevention step is thorough handwashing with soap and running water. The county recommends washing hands after using the restroom or changing a diaper, after touching commonly touched surfaces such as door handles and handrails, before preparing or eating food, and before touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
When soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer can serve as a temporary substitute.
Officials also recommend cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly and keeping sick people away from shared spaces.
Residents who develop symptoms should contact their health care provider.
