15 New Mexico Residents Infected With Shigella Bacteria

Jan. 9, 2004
By: Kurt Christopher

State health officials are investigating how 15 people in Cibola County became infected with a serious disease caused by Shigella bacteria.

Shigella causes diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. In severe cases, patients require hospitalization.

Most of the reported cases involve school children. State officials are unsure how the infection originated in the area.

A State Department of Health spokesperson says many people who are infected may not have any symptoms at all but can still pass the disease on to others. Officials are advising all residents to wash hands carefully to prevent spread of the disease.

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