Shigellosis Up 10x In Lubbock
By: Allison Morrison
Updated: November 18, 2008
The worst shigellosis outbreak in recent years continues to worsen around Lubbock.
The Lubbock Health Department is reporting 10 times the number of shigellosis cases, compared to this time last year.
That's 349 total cases of shigella in Lubbock in just over 2 months.
Last year, that number was 30.
Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.
Beckie Brawley with the Lubbock Health Department says she's surprised at the alarming increase.
"It is discouraging from a public health point of view because, you know, we're getting the message out, but so far we're not seeing a decrease in cases, so our goal is to continue to educate and continue to encourage people to wash their hands," Brawley says.
Washing your hands can help prevent the illness.
But if you do catch it, make sure you're treated with antibiotics- ignoring the illness can be fatal.
