Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Those in areas with an active outbreak may be wondering what to do during a Shigella outbreak as the number of illnesses rise.
Understanding what the symptoms are so that you can respond right away can help prevent additional infections in your household and beyond. Knowing when to get help can also help you recover faster if complications arise.
Know what do look for during a Shigella outbreak to get ahead of the illness. Gastrointestinal symptoms often begin first, but may progress to more serious complications.
About a day or two after consuming something contaminated with Shigella bacteria, most people experience fever, stomach pain, or symptoms of feeling like they need to continue to pass stool (poop), despite the bowels being empty. However, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), is the most coming symptom. Diarrhea may last more than three days with Shigella illness.
Most people feel better within a week and recover on their own without needing to see a doctor or specific medication.
But this is not always the case. Sometimes, people experience complications.
Children under five years old and those with a weakened immune system are at higher risk of more severe or prolonged infection and complications.
In some cases, complications involve atypical bowel movements for a few weeks or even months following infection. However, some more serious health conditions may develop as a result of shigellosis.
Constant diarrhea depletes the body of water. Serious dehydration can affect other organ systems and lead to shock. Or even death!
Symptoms to look out for include lack of tears in children, sunken eyes, and dry diapers. Other symptoms may include dry mouth and throat and dizziness upon standing.
Some children with Shigella infections experience seizures. It is more common with high fever but can also happen in children without those fevers. Seizures can cause jerking movements, loss of consciousness, and changes in behavior.
If you child appears to have a seizure, get medical help right away!
HUS is a type of kidney failure brought on by certain infections. When blood cells break down and clog the filtering aspects of the kidney, things can go from bad to worse very quickly. While most people fully recover from HUS, some may experience long-term health problems. All HUS complications require hospitalization to monitor symptoms and help filter for the kidney if needed.
While rare, toxic megacolon can cause serious or life-threatening complication. Toxic megacolon happens when stool and gas cannot pass through the organ. As a result, the colon becomes bigger. Without treatment, the colon may burst, causing a life-threatening infection called peritonitis. An outcome that requires emergency surgery.
Reactive arthritis occurs when the infection affects the collagen in the joints. Joint pain and swelling in the ankles, knees, feet, and hip are common. The collagen in the eyes and urinary tract are also impacted. Often resulting in redness, itching, or discharge in one or both eyes or painful urination.
A bloodstream infection, or bacteremia happens when Shigella bacteria damage the lining of the intestines and exit the digestive system into the bloodstream. This is more common in those with a weakened immune system and children.
Shigella is spread through direct or indirect contact with the feces (poop) of an infected person. Most commonly this happens when hands are not washed, contaminated food and water are consumed, when swimming in contaminated water, or after touching contaminated surfaces and then eating or touching the mouth.
There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of infection during a Shigella outbreak. Washing your hands, observe common sense food safety, and avoid swimming in contaminated water.
Good Hygiene and effective handwashing are the best ways to reduce risk during a Shigella outbreak. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, particularly after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or helping someone else in the bathroom. Always wash your hands before preparing food and eating.
Only consume food that has been cooked to proper temperatures to neutralize harmful germs. Thoroughly wash fruits and veggies before using them and avoid consuming untreated water.
Certain bodies of water, such as pools, lakes, or others may become contaminated with sewage or untreated water. Avoid swimming in untreated water, especially during an outbreak.
If you become sick during a Shigella outbreak you may have questions about what to do.
If you are experiencing serious or life-threatening problems associated with a Shigella outbreak, seek medical attention as needed. Complications can quickly escalate, so if you feel things are not quite right, you experience any of the symptoms above that warrant emergency care, or you need peace of mind, get help immediately.
If you experience symptoms consistent with Shigella infection, particularly during an outbreak, contact your local health authority. Your local health department has a public health office or will forward your information off to the state health authority. Reporting your illness provides a bigger picture for investigators. The more information about what people did and ate prior to becoming sick helps investigators narrow down the source of infection.
If you report your illness, you will be asked about the foods and drinks you consumed in the weeks prior to becoming sick. Go ahead and make that list now. The faster you make the list, the more thorough it will be. Having your list ready will better help you answer questions when you are asked them.
If you have medical bills, lost wages, or other burdens associated with illness during a Shigella outbreak and need help, a Shigella lawyer can help. A lawyer specialized in cases just like yours will have the answers you seek and the experience to represent you.
If you wish to file a claim for legal compensation, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help. Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation.
Don’t wait. Call today to start the process and get the justice you deserve!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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