Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – Shigellosis is still on the rise in Onondaga County, according to the health department.
There have been 120 confirmed cases and 50 probable cases of the illness in the county, the health department reported.
According to the health department, there have been clusters of cases in child-care and adult-care program and scattered cases throughout communities.
More than half of those who have the illness are children under 5 years old.
The health department said that since the majority of cases have been encountered among children, they are focusing their efforts on child-care facilities.
They say the best way to prevent the illness is washing your hands.
Shigellosis is transferred from person to person from fecal matter to ingestion.
The department cautions that people should always wash their hands with soap and water:
- After using the bathroom
- Before eating
- After playing outdoors
- After changing diapers
- After petting animals
- After sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose
- Anytime that your hands are soiled
For more information about shigellosis or ways to reduce its spread, contact the Onondaga County Health Department at (315) 435-3240.
