Reports of a Nasty Infectious Disease Increase This Year in Lubbock

The City of Lubbock Health Department has noted an increase in shigellosis cases this year.

A total of three cases of shigellosis were reported throughout all of 2018 in Lubbock. However, 21 cases of the disease have been reported between September and October 2019.

Shigellosis is a diarrheal disease that lasts around 4 to 7 days. Symptoms include: fever, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact a physician as soon as possible.

Shigellosis spreads person-to-person through the unwashed hands of an infected individual. This can happen by direct contact, or by food or drink handled by the infected person.

People are advised to frequently wash their hands throughout the day to prevent the spread of this illness.

Those with the illness should not attend work, school or daycare until they are free from fever and diarrhea for 24 hours without the use of anti-fever or anti-diarrheal medication.