American Expatriate Costa Rica

Authorities have registered 231 cases of diarrhea due to Shigella

So far in 2019, 231 cases of diarrhea due to Shigella have been registered, a figure that worries the health authorities. Alajuelita and Liberia are the cantons with the highest number of cases, 20 and 23 patients respectively.

A shigella infection (shigellosis) is an intestinal disease that can be transmitted through direct contact with bacteria in feces and by ingestion of contaminated food and water.

Symptomatology appears one or two days after contact with the bacteria and can affect a person for up to a week. Fever, abdominal pain and even blood in the stool, are some of the symptons.

To prevent the spread of Shigella it is recommended:

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly .
Supervise children when they wash their hands.
Dispose of dirty diapers properly.
Disinfect areas where diapers are changed.
Do not prepare food for other people if you have diarrhea.
Do not take children with diarrhea to daycare, school or playgroups.
Avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes or pools without treatment.
Avoid sexual activity with someone who has diarrhea or who recently recovered from diarrhea.
crhoy.com