A shigellosis outbreak is affecting children and day-care centers throughout Kentucky and Ohio. Shigellosis can cause cramps, fever, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is helping local health departments monitor the situation.
Fifty-two reported cases were tracked to northern Kentucky. In addition, the Cincinnati municipal area has reported at least 1,200 cases. The majority of the cases are related to day-care centers. Health officials are trying to determine where and how the outbreak started.
The bacterium that causes shigellosis is highly contagious and can easily be spread by those not washing their hands after using the restroom or changing a diaper.