There have been three new confirmed cases and five suspected cases associated with the Aug. 28 event since Tuesday, according to HHS.
HHS says that those who had dinner at the Elks Lodge in Eureka on Aug. 28, 2024 may have been exposed to Shigella, a bacteria that is known to be highly contagious. HHS saysShigella germs are found in stool, and infection is spread by eating food or drinking liquids contaminated by an infected person, or when a person touches a contaminated surface or object and then touches their mouth or puts the object into their mouth. People who have contracted shigellosis typically experience a fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea which may be bloody.
HHS asks that if you think you may have been exposed to Shigella and are experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) issues to contact your primary care provider, as well as take steps not to spread the highly contagious infection.
Recommendations for the Public
If you are currently experiencing symptoms of shigella infection, visit your doctor to get tested. Your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics for this infection, but some people may get better without medication.
People can become sick with shigellosis by eating or drinking the shigella bacteria, by touching something contaminated with the bacteria and then touching the mouth, or through contact with bacteria during sex. It only takes a small amount of shigella bacteria to make a person sick. If you are sick with symptoms of shigella infection, you can 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 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).
Our clients feel like family to us. Our clients call us when something terrible has happened and they need our help. We are committed to getting them the help they need, so that they can rebuild their lives.
Symptoms of Shigella
Common symptoms of shigellosis are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea, which may contain blood and/or mucus
- Stomach Pain
- Fever
- Urge to pass stool (poop) but bowels are empty
Symptoms usually start 1-2 days after infection and last 7 days. In some cases, the frequency and consistency of stool (poop) do not return to normal for several months.
