A Shigella outbreak in Eureka, California includes five confirmed and 11 suspected cases, according to the Humboldt County Public Health Department. Health officials believe the outbreak likely includes far more cases in the waterfront and 101 corridor areas than those reported.
Some of the initial cases may have been spread at laundromats where an infected person washed contaminated items. Health officials worked with the Self-Serve Laundromat on Summer Street and Eureka Laundromat on Little Fairfield Street, to make sure their facilities are cleaned and disinfected properly.
Symptoms of a Shigella infection include fever, abdominal cramps, bloating, and diarrhea that can be bloody. These symptoms usually develop within one to two days of exposure and last about a week. Complications of shigellosis include Reiter’s syndrome, reactive arthritis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
Shigella infections are spread through the fecal-oral route, meaning bacteria in an infected person’s stool is ingested. This usually happens by touching contaminated surfaces such as bathroom fixtures, tables, or garbage cans, and then touching your mouth. Or eating food prepared by someone with an infection who did wash hands carefully after using the restroom.
Shigellosis can be treated with antibiotics. Eureka residents who develop symptoms should see a doctor right away.
Free Food Poisoning Lawsuit Consultation
If you developed a Shigella infection and would like a free consultation with an experienced Shigella lawyer, please contact the Pritzker Hageman Food Poisoning Legal Team. You can reach us by calling 1-888-377-8900, sending a text to 612-261-0856, or by completing the form below. There is no obligation and you don’t pay us unless we win.
