There has been an increase in the number of Shigella bacteria illnesses in Saskatchewan over the past few months.
Officials with the Ministry of Health say 10 to 15 cases are normally reported in the province each year but in the last four months, 13 cases have been recorded, mostly in the Prince Albert area and mainly in children.
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Shigella is a bacterium that spreads easily between people and only a small number of bacteria can make a person sick. Symptoms include stomach pain and cramps, diarrhea with mucus and sometimes blood and fever.
Shigella is usually related to foreign travel, but only one case has been linked to overseas travel. Health officials say the current strain indicates ongoing person-to-person and household-to-household spread.
Officials are continuing to investigate and say there are precautions people can take.
“The most important thing to remember is for everyone, even if they feel well, to wash hands often and frequently, especially after using the washroom,” Saskatchewan Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said.
More information on Shigella can be found at the Ministry of Health.
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