CHARLOTTE — Two students at St. Gabriel Catholic School have been diagnosed with shigellosis, a gastrointestinal infection caused by the bacteria Shigella.On Thursday, St. Gabriel and Mecklenburg County Health Department officials alerted parents to the cases and distributed information about the infection, its symptoms and how to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Shigella, which is found in human feces, is one of the leading bacterial causes of diarrhea and is spread hand-to-mouth. Besides diarrhea, the non-life-threatening infection may cause fever, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Severe cases are treated with antibiotics, and people who contract the illness usually return to regular activity in five to seven days.
The students, both kindergartners, contracted the infection at separate times, one last week and the other this week, said Diocese of Charlotte spokesman David Hains. Both cases were reported to the local health department after the children were diagnosed by a doctor.
They are being kept at home while they are being treated with antibiotics. They will not be allowed to return to school until 48 hours after their symptoms disappear and a stool sample tests negative for the bacteria.
St. Gabriel School officials informed parents Sept. 15 with a letter and an email blast.
Parents of kindergarten students were invited to a meeting Friday morning at the school, so school officials could answer questions.
School staff has been disinfecting common areas where the bacteria can be spread through touch, such as doorknobs, and the school nurse is reviewing with all kindergartners how to wash their hands properly.
County health officials recommended that all students, parents, teachers and staff wash their hands frequently, particularly "prior to touching food/beverages/ice, before meals and after toileting, diaper changing, and participating in outdoor activities."
"Strict attention to hand washing is essential to prevent the spread of this illness," the county health department advised.
Parents who suspect their children may be infected have been told to notify their medical provider and keep their children home until they are symptom free for 48 hours.
"I know this news may cause some anxiety but please try to remember that common sense prevails. If your child is ill, keep them at home," said school nurse Sarah Smith in the letter to parents. "Continue to reinforce good handwashing techniques and frequent handwashing as well as proper bathroom etiquette."
About 500,000 cases of shigellosis are reported annually in the United States, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's website.
Young children are the most likely to get the infection, the CDC website said, but people of any age can be affected.
"Many outbreaks are related to childcare settings and schools, and illness commonly spreads from young children to their family members and others in their communities because it is so contagious," the website said.
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor