July 2019 Shigellosis Outbreak
The Health Department investigated a shigellosis outbreak associated with Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens. Several individuals reported symptoms after playing in a playground with a splash pad or a large fountain. We worked with the Parks Department to sanitize the splash pad and fountain areas. These areas are no longer a risk for Shigella transmission.
Shigellosis is an infection that affects the intestines. It is caused by the bacteria (germs), Shigella. It is a fairly common infection, especially among young children. For data on shigellosis in New York City visit EpiQuery.
Anyone can get shigellosis, but it is seen most often in young children. Those who may be at greater risk include children in day care centers, travelers to certain foreign countries, men who have sex with men, and individuals living in institutional settings (for example: nursing homes, shelters, prisons, etc).
Shigella germs are found in the intestinal tract of infected people and are passed in their stool (feces). The Shigella germ is spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or by direct contact with an infected person. Sexual practices that allow oral or hand contact with stool (feces) may also result in spread.
People exposed to the Shigella germ may experience mild or severe diarrhea, often with fever, nausea, and cramps. There may be traces of blood or mucous in the stool. Some infected people may not show any symptoms.
The symptoms may appear 1 to 7 days after exposure, but usually within 2 to 3 days.
Most people pass Shigella in their stool (feces) for one to four weeks.
Shigellosis is diagnosed by checking the patient's stool (feces) for the Shigella germ.
Most people with shigellosis will recover on their own. Some may require fluids to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics are occasionally used to treat severe cases, but generally not recommended.
Since the Shigella bacteria are passed in the stool (feces) of an infected person, people with active diarrhea who are unable to control their bowel habits (e.g., infants, young children, certain handicapped individuals) should stay home until the diarrhea has stopped. Most infected people may return to work or school when their stools become formed (solid), as long as they carefully wash their hands after using the toilet. Food handlers, children in day care, and health care workers must obtain the approval of the Health Department before returning to their routine activities. This requires follow-up stool testing to be sure that they are no longer infectious.
Wash hands often. Since germs are passed in stool (feces), the single most important prevention activity is frequent and careful hand washing with soap and warm running water after using the toilet or changing diapers.
When traveling to developing countries, simple precautions can prevent disease.
Persons with any diarrheal illness should avoid any sexual practice that may expose a partner to their stool (feces). Avoid unprotected sexual practices that may result in hand or mouth exposure to stool, such as anal sex or oral-anal contact.