DHSS Press Release

HAND WASHING VITAL TO HALT SHIGELLOSIS OUTBREAK

Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) advises families and caretakers of children to increase hand washing to halt the spread of shigellosis, an illness that has continued to increase in Delaware this winter.

Usually 15-25 cases of shigellosis are reported each year statewide. In 2002, shigellosis continued to increase from 227 cases in October to 422 cases. The disease has spread across the state, despite health workers contacting each person diagnosed to provide information on how to prevent spread of the disease. Health workers also informed local health care providers, provided training sessions to child care providers and distributed hand-washing flyers.

Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by shigella bacteria found in the digestive tract. Symptoms of the illness include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and cramps, which last four to seven days. The disease is transmitted when minute amounts of fecal material are swallowed if it remains on the hands of children following toileting, or on the hands of parents or child care providers who assist them or make diaper changes. Shigella bacteria may then be transferred to food during meal preparation. Only a few shigella bacteria are required to infect another person, making this illness extremely transmissible.

DPH recommends taking the following precautions:

• Wash hands frequently and carefully with soap and water, especially after diapering, toileting, or preparing food. Be sure to clean under fingernails.
• Supervise children when washing hands at home and at childcare, especially for children not toilet trained. Use soap.
• Prevent children in diapers with shigella infection from contacting uninfected children.
• Anyone diagnosed with shigella infection that is involved in food handling, direct patient care or childcare should demonstrate that they have recovered before resuming work.
• Consult a physician if you or your child experience diarrhea, especially if accompanied by fever.

For more information about shigellosis, contact DPH at 744-4541 or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's web site at www.cdc.gov/health/diseases.htm.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.