On August 11, 2011, the Northern Kentucky Health Department reported on two separate outbreaks of infectious diarrheal disease known as shigellosis and cryptosporidiosis, while encouraging northern Kentucky residents to take measures to protect themselves and help stop the spread of these illnesses.
 
According to public health officials, since April of this year, more than 125 cases of shigellosis, or Shigella infection, have been reported in Boone, Campbell, Grant, and Kenton Counties.  In a typical year, about 25 cases of shigellosis are reported.
 
Shigellosis is an illness caused by a group of pathogen bacteria known as Shigella. Symptoms of Shigella infection may include watery diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, straining to have bowel movements, and malaise.  Symptoms may appear as early as 14 hours, to as late as 4 days after ingesting the bacteria.  Shigellosis usually resolves in 5-7 days.  Infants, small children, and seniors may be more likely to experience severe symptoms and complications.
 
Health officials also announced that 7 cases of cryptosporidiosis have been reported since June 1.  Typically four cases of cryptosporidiosis, also known as crypto, are reported for the entire year.
 
Cryptosporidiosis, refers to a gastrointestinal infection caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium.  Symptoms may include stomach cramps or pain, watery diarrhea (the most common symptom), fever, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, malaise, malnutrition and weight loss (in more severe cases). Symptoms may occur 1 to 10 days after infection and will last for approximately 2 weeks in healthy individuals. Symptoms can be much more severe and even life-threatening in the immuno-compromised.
 
In addition to staying home from work and school, and avoiding swimming pools when ill, the Health Department recommends the following measures:

• Wash your hands frequently, including before preparing food, after using the restroom, after changing a diaper and before and after caring for someone who is sick. Rub hands together for at least 20 seconds, and use soap and water.
• Anyone who has had diarrhea should wait for at least two weeks after feeling better before going swimming.
• Don’t change diapers at poolside.
• Take frequent bathroom breaks while at the pool.
• When shopping and at other public places, utilize hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes for carts when available or bring your own to use. If you notice that a public restroom is dirty, alert management.

 
Residents can visit the  Kentucky Health Department’s web site at www.nkyhealth.org for more information.
 
To learn more about current food poisoning outbreaks, please visit www.foodpoisoning.com or select Food Poisoning Attorney. If you have a question regarding a food poisoning lawsuit please call the Law Firm of Eric Weinberg toll free at 877-934-6274.

The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg is currently assisting individuals sickened in this latest Shigella outbreak that may be linked a Subway restaurant located in Lombard, Illinois. We are ready to help you. If you believe that you are an outbreak victim, please submit a Free Case Evaluation Form, or call us toll free at 1-877-934-6274.

Subway May Be Source of Illinois Shigellosis Cases

According to the DuPage County Health Department, as of Friday, March 5th, 12 cases of Shigellosis linked to a Subway restaurant in Lombard, Illinois have been confirmed.  At least seven of these cases have resulted in hospitalization.  Dozens of non-confirmed cases have also been reported, and the total number of those sickened is sure to climb as health department officials continue their investigation into the Shigella outbreak.

What You Can Do

The DuPage County Health Department asks that anyone who became ill approximately 12 hours to 4 days after eating at the Subway, located at 1009 E. Roosevelt Road in Lombard from February 24 through March 1, report their illness to the health department by calling (630) 682-7400. By reporting your illness, you can help public health officials determine the cause of the Shigella outbreak. If you are experiencing Shigella food poisoning symptoms, contact your healthcare professional.  He or she can order a stool culture to confirm Shigella infection.  Let your doctor know that you ate at the Subway Restaurant.

Shigellosis Symptoms

Shigellosis is a foodborne illness caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. The illness is characterized by diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps, beginning anywhere from 12 hours to 4 days after eating food contaminated with Shigella. Shigella is transmitted from person to person via fecal to oral contact. In the case of Shigella foodborne illness, contaminated food, which may look, smell, and taste normal, is consumed. Food can become contaminated with Shigella by food handlers who do not adequately wash their hands with soap after using the bathroom, or by using produce from sewage contaminated fields.

Obtain A Free Legal Case Evaluation

If you are diagnosed with Shigella, are awaiting medical confirmation of infection, or have a question regarding your legal rights, please request a free legal case evaluation from the Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg by clicking on Shigella Lawsuit, or call us toll free at 1-877-934-6274.