Broome County Health Department is reporting a rise in shigellosis cases, 22 since August, compared to the usual six per year.
Shigellosis is a gastrointestinal illness that causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain, and it spreads through contact with contaminated stool, whether from people, surfaces, food, or water.
Young children, international travelers, people experiencing homelessness, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
The health department suggests washing your hands often, being careful when changing diapers, practicing safe food and water habits when traveling, and avoiding sexual activity for two weeks after symptoms end if diagnosed.
Broome County Health Department Medical Doctor Lazarus Gehring said, “This is not a pandemic. This will not become a pandemic. It really can’t. The way it’s spread, it can’t get into the city water supply. It doesn’t work that way. Like I said before, you’d see, you know, tens of thousands of people that are sick, and thankfully it’s treatable. But again, it reminds us that we are about as healthy as our least healthy resident, Broome County. We really want to bring up that bar.”