A highly contagious form of diarrhea is wiping out Clevelanders left and right as they try to finish up the final work week before the holidays.
The Cleveland Department of Public Health is warning residents who feel a little, er, uncomfortable to seek professional care as they may have contracted a disease called Shigellosis.
From the sounds of it, the disease is spreading quickly via person-to-person contact, mostly amongst small children.
Here's what the folks at the health department are suggesting to prevent further outbreaks:
- Wash your hands with soap frequently, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before preparing food or beverages.- Do not prepare food for others while ill with diarrhea.
- Sick children AND adults should stay home until cleared by a doctor to return to school or work.
- Keep children with diarrhea out of childcare settings and common play areas.
- Supervise toddlers and small children as they wash their hands after using the toilet.
- Dispose of soiled diapers properly and disinfect diaper-changing areas after using them.
- Don’t drink or swallow water from ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.
Officials say children with Shigellosis should not return to school or daycare until symptoms cease and lab tests are negative.
