Health Department investigating shigellosis outbreak

LAUDERDALE COUNTY — The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is investigating an increase in cases of shigellosis originating in Lauderdale County.

Shigellosis is an infectious bacterial disease caused by Shigella bacteria. The most common symptoms are diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever and stomach cramps. Shigellosis usually goes away on its own in a few days and rarely requires hospitalization.

Shigella is passed from person to person when there is poor hand washing after a bowel movement or diaper change. Infection can then occur by hand-to-mouth contact or by eating food prepared by workers with contaminated hands.

Source: MSDH