Fayette County Health Providers have seen a big increase this year in cases of shigellosis. The gastrointestinal illness is a highly contagious form of diarrhea that is easily transmitted by person to person contact.
Health Department Spokesman Kevin Hall says the Lexington area typically experiences about two to three cases of shigellosis each year. So far in 2014, Hall says there have been over 150. "Usually young kids in day cares, but right now it's everybody; adults, parents, kids, people without kids,” said Hall. “Anybody who can be exposed to this is getting infected by it."
Hall says shigellosis typically runs its course in about two to three days. But, he says dehydration can be a complication for very young children and those with suppressed immune systems. "Anybody out there needs to be aware of this being in the community and know that you need to wash your hands, particularly if you're going to be handing food,” said Hall. “If you've handled diapers, if you've got a young child. Just everybody, wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands," he added.
Hall says it's unusual to have many shigellosis cases in the winter. He said the illness is often found in the summertime.
