Wash Your Hands Shigella Outbreak Making People Sick in Yakima

How are you feeling? Yakima health officials say Yakima County is experiencing a Shigella outbreak. Currently 72 cases have been reported between the beginning of the year through October 16, compared to 10 cases during the same time last year.

IT'S A BACTERIA THAT CAN EASILY ATTACK YOU

They say Shigella is a bacteria that's easily spread from one person to another the reason why health officials urge everyone to practice good hygiene like frequently washing hands.
A press release from the Yakima Health District says you can get infected by swallowing Shigella.

•Touching surfaces or items contaminated with Shigella bacteria from someone with an infection and then touching your mouth.

•Eating food prepared by someone with a Shigella infection.

Get our free mobile app

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS TO LOOK FOR?

•Diarrhea that can be bloody or prolonged (lasting more than 3 days)

•Fever

•Stomach pain

•Feeling the need to pass stool even when the bowels are empty Symptoms usually start 1-2 days after an infection and last 7 days.

NOT FEELING GOOD? DON'T WASTE TIME GET TO THE DOCTOR

You need to get to the doctor if you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms say health officials and if you're not sick they urge you to follow some preventative measures;

•Wash hands often and thoroughly, especially before eating and after using the bathroom or changing diapers.

•Clean and sanitize work areas frequently.

•Do not prepare food if you are sick or share food with anyone