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For Immediate Release 7/25/08

shigella                   

Contacts: Betsy Meredith 682-4041

Lane County Public Health is investigating 2 cases of Shigella that were reported by medical laboratories late Thursday and this morning.  The cases and their medical providers are being contacted and interviewed to help us determine the source of the illness in order to prevent the spread of infections to other people. 

Shigella is a bacteria that infects humans and causes acute onset of diarrhea, abdominal cramps and moderate to high fever; and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Some infections can be severe, especially in young children and the elderly. It is only carried by humans and is transmitted by an infected person not thoroughly washing their hands after using the bathroom. Infections usually last 3-10 days.

Individuals who became ill with severe diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours AND attended the Oregon Country Fair between July 10^th and July 13^th AND whose illness came 1 to 4 days after Fair attendance, should contact Lane County Public Health at 682-4041 to report their illness AND contact their private medical provider for evaluation and treatment.

Treatment consists of fluid and electrolyte replacement to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics may be administered based upon the results of a stool culture.

What is being done to contain the problem?

Lane County Public Health is conducting a communicable disease investigation and is working hand in hand with the State Health Department. Public Health is contacting everyone it has identified that may have been exposed.  The two identified cases attended the Oregon Country Fair.  

How is it transmitted?

Humans become infected by putting something in their mouth that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person. Shigella can be spread by people whose hands have touched  a contaminated surface and not washed before they handle food or water or after using the bathroom.  It can also be spread by flies. An infected person can carry bacteria for weeks or months after the symptoms have ceased. People infected in this outbreak can become sources of further infection.

Do you expect more people to become infected?

The incubation period is 12 hours to 7 days but usually 1-4 days.  People can pass the infection to other people while they are ill and until they stop shedding the bacteria. This time frame may be shortened by appropriate antibiotic therapy. Anyone that works in food service, day care or medical care who has been diagnosed with the disease must not work until their medical care provider and Lane County Public Health have given them permission to return to work.

How can I protect myself and my family from illness?

Always, wash and rinse your hands thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom and before cooking or putting anything in your mouth.  This seemingly simple activity is vital to reducing the spread of many communicable diseases including Shigella.

What should people do if they think they might have Shigella?

Individuals who became ill with severe diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours AND attended the Oregon Country Fair AND whose illness came 1 to 4 days after Fair attendance, should contact Lane County Public Health to report their illness AND contact their private medical provider for evaluation and treatment.  Medical providers and laboratories are required by state statute to report cases of Shigella to local Public Health Authorities by calling 6823-4041.  If an individual is acutely ill and does not have a private provider, they should go to an urgent care or emergency room

Media conference at Lane County Public Health at 3:15 pm today
          135 E. 6^th Ave
          Eugene, OR 97401 

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Amber Fossen
Public Information Officer
Lane County Government
125 E. Eighth Ave.
Eugene, Oregon 97401
(541) 682.3718 (alternate contact (today only): Teresa Nelson, 682-4526)
(541) 359.9143 (cell)

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