Thursday - May 14, 2015
Champaign, IL - The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (C-UPHD) is alerting community residents of widespread increase in shigellosis in Champaign County. Since January of 2015, C-UPHD has been alerted to 20 lab confirmed cases of shigellosis. C- UPHD has requested that the medical community and emergency departments increase testing and treatment of shigellosis. C-UPHD has notified and sent informational letters to Champaign County daycares, educational facilities, pools, day camps, and restaurants.
Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. Most who are infected with Shigella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps starting a day or two after they are exposed to the bacteria. The diarrhea is often bloody. Shigellosis usually resolves in 5-7 days. Some persons who are infected may have no symptoms at all, but may still pass the Shigella bacteria to others.
Read the full press relase. (PDF)