NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:                                                            For More Information, Contact:

July 22, 2006                                                                           Barb Frydenlund

                                                                                                Rolette County Public Health

                                                                                                Phone: 701.477.5646

                                                                                                E-mail: bfrydenlund@state.nd.us

State and Local Health Officials Continue to Investigate Shigellosis Cases

Good Hand Washing Practices Recommended

ROLETTE COUNTY, N.D. – Five confirmed cases of shigellosis have been reported from Rolette County in July 2006, according to Barb Frydenlund, Public Health Nurse for the Rolette County Department of Health. Confirmatory testing is pending on an additional seven reports.

During the course of the investigation, some of the cases reported swimming at Lake Upsilon.  These reports lead to the testing of this lake as a precautionary measure to make sure the water quality at the public beach was appropriate for recreational use.

Local health officials collected water samples from Lake Upsilon on Thursday and these tested negative for bacteria that may indicate sewage contamination.   Health officials are continuing to investigate how the shigellosis is spreading in the community.  “Good personal hygiene will be needed in order to prevent further spread” said Barb Frydenlund of the Rolette County Health Department. 

To prevent the spread of shigellosis:

·        Wash hands with soap carefully and frequently, especially after going to the bathroom, after changing diapers and before preparing food or beverages.

·        Dispose of soiled diapers properly in a closed-lid garbage can.

·        Disinfect diaper changing areas after using them.

·        Keep children with diarrhea out of child-care settings.

·        Supervise hand washing of toddlers and small children after they use the toilet.

·        Do not prepare food for others if you experience diarrhea or vomiting.

·        Avoid drinking water from lakes or swimming pools.

For more information, contact Barb Frydenlund, Rolette County Public Health District, at 701.477.5646.  To report a possible infection, call 800.472.2180. A fact sheet about shigellosis is available at www.ndhealth.gov/disease.

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