Hand-Washing Prevents This Common Intestinal Infection
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that over 14,000 Americans are infected with the shigella bacteria each year.
The highly contagious family of shigella bacteria infects the digestive tract and causes cramping, bloody diarrhea, vomiting and nausea and sometimes fever.
Although most cases go away on their own, some require antibiotics to shorten the length of illness.
Since shigellosis is most common in young children, aged two to four, there are several important precautions that parents and caregivers can take to prevent the spread of shigella infections and to ensure that a sick child doesn’t dehydrate.
Careful, thorough, and frequent hand-washing with soap, by people of all ages, is the best way to prevent the spread of this bothersome bacterium. Remind children to wash hands after using the restroom and before they eat.
The CDC recommended a 20 second hand-washing — the same amount of time it takes to hum the tune to “Happy Birthday,” twice.
Always wash hands after helping a sick child in the bathroom. The toilet and other bathroom surfaces used by a child with shigellosis should be cleaned and disinfected, frequently.
Place used diapers in a sealed garbage can where they can’t be touched, especially by other children. Clean and disinfect the diaper change area after each use.
The CDC also reminded us that proper preparation, handling, and storage of food and water can help prevent shigella infections. Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot to prevent the growth of bacteria. A caregiver that is sick with shigellosis or has experienced diarrhea for at least 2 days, should avoid preparing food for others.
The CDC also recommended against water play areas in daycare centers. To prevent "traveler’s diarrhea", only drink treated or boiled water, eat cooked, hot foods and only fruit that you have peeled yourself, with clean hands.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a stool sample may be used to confirm that your child has shigellosis. If your health care provider decides to treat with antibiotics, be sure your child takes them as prescribed.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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