Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services:
Public and environmental hygiene authorities have been working to contain local cases of Shigella, a gastrointestinal disease, after three laboratory-identified cases and two more suspicious cases have infected Eureka residents in the past month. It is working.
The incident spans multiple households and infects school-aged children and adults, including those who are experiencing homelessness.
Authorities believe that the virus may have spread through one or more Eureka laundromats after an infected person washed contaminated clothing at the facility.
Environmental health authorities work closely with the operators of two laundromats, the self-service laundromat on Summer Street and the Eureka laundromat on Little Fairfield Street, to ensure that the facility is properly cleaned and disinfected.
Shigella is found in feces and spreads when an infected person eats contaminated food or liquid, touches a contaminated surface or object and then touches the mouth, or puts the object in the mouth. People infected with sigerosis usually experience fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, which can be bloody.
Symptoms of shigellosis usually occur 1-2 days after exposure, but can take longer and last for about a week. Infected individuals can remain contagious for up to 6 weeks after their symptoms disappear.
Most people with shigellosis recover completely without serious complications. In rare cases, Shigella can cause bloodstream, seizures, kidney failure, and arthritis.
The best way to prevent the spread of shigellosis is to wash your hands.
Before, during, and after meal preparation
Before eating
Before and after taking care of a sick person
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose, after coughing or sneezing
After touching the garbage
After changing diapers and cleaning up children who used the toilet
After touching animals, animal feed or animal excrement
After handling pet food and pet treats.
People with shigellosis should do the following:
Stay home during illness, from school, or from health care, food service, or childcare work
Refrain from sharing food
Refrain from swimming or bathtub
Please refrain from having sex for at least 2 weeks after the symptoms disappear.
If you have any symptoms, please contact your GP or call public health (707-445-6200).
