30 sick with Shigella in Daviess Co., Kentucky

News25 reports the Green River District Health Department is confirming 30 cases of the bacteria illness called Shigella in Daviess County. Now, the Kentucky Department of Public Health is getting involved.

"We haven’t seen anything like this in a while," said GRDHD Regional Epidemiologist Janie Cambron.

NEWS 25 was the first to report health officials were investigating cases of Shigella in Daviess County. Since last Thursday, the number of confirmed cases jumped from 15 to 30. Health officials say none however stem from this past weekend’s Bar-B-Q fest where extra hand sanitizer were distributed.

Two other counties in the state are also reporting high numbers of Shigella. Prompting the state to become part of the investigation.

Of the 30 confirmed cases in Daviess County, 27 are with kids ages 13 and younger. Cambron says she’s talked with many concerned parents asking if their kids should stay home. If they attend a childcare center, they must be symptom free for 24 hours before returning.

Wash hands.

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About Douglas Powell

A former professor of food safety and the publisher of barfblog.com, Powell is passionate about food, has five daughters, and is an OK goaltender in pickup hockey. Download Doug’s CV here. Dr. Douglas Powell editor, barfblog.com retired professor, food safety 3/289 Annerley Rd Annerley, Queensland 4103 dpowell29@gmail.com 61478222221 I am based in Brisbane, Australia, 15 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time