The number of Tristate shigellosis cases has nearly tripled in the past month to more than 1,000 cases.

        So far this year, public health officials have recorded 1,029 shigella cases in Greater Cincinnati, 964 in Hamilton County and 65 cases in seven surrounding counties.

        Shigellosis causes stomach cramps, fever and diarrhea. In most cases, the illness lasts four to seven days and can be treated with antibiotics.

SHIGELLA RATES

Cases of shigella reported for Tristate counties. Figures reflect cases reported since Jan. 1, most of which have occurred since May.     Hamilton County: 964     Northern Kentucky*: 35     Butler County: 17     Clermont County: 7     Warren County: 4     Dearborn County: 2     Total: 1029     *Includes Kenton, Boone, Campbell and Grant counties     Source: City, county and state health departments

        The bug has been transmitted primarily among diaper-aged children, their caregivers and close contacts. Day care centers have been the main nexus of transmission, with more than 50 of the 88 day care centers licensed by Cincinnati reporting at least one infected child.

        The best way to prevent shigella from spreading is diligent hand-washing after every bathroom trip or diaper change.

        The Tristate outbreak is one of the biggest of its kind nationwide and exceeds all cases reported locally in the past 10 years combined, said Dr. Judith Daniels, medical director for the Cincinnati Health Department.

        The latest report is up from a total of 320 cases reported a month ago. The outbreak may continue for a few more months before it burns itself out, she said.

        While shigella can be transmitted through contaminated food or swimming in contaminated pools, so far, there are no clusters of cases linked to these causes, Dr. Daniels said.

        As cases are detected, health department staff have been ordering tests of entire day care classes. Once diagnosed, children must stay out of day care until completing five days of antibiotic treatment and after two stool sample tests show no sign of the bacteria.
       

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