We were notified this afternoon that two of our schools (Northside Elementary and Southside Elementary) have students with confirmed cases of Shigella. Shigella causes diarrhea (often bloody), fever and stomach cramps and is easily passed from one person to another when basic hygiene and hand washing are not adequate.

If you are someone in your home has experienced diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps the Grady County Health Department and Southwest Health District medical specialist recommend that you do not use Imodium, or Lomotil, or other similar products unless it is the recommendation of your healthcare provider; that you seek advice from your healthcare provider in the medical community; that you contact the Grady County Health Department if given a diagnosis of Shigella; and that you keep your children at home if they are sick in order to help prevent the spread of Shigella.

It usually takes 5 to 7 days for Shigella to clear up, it is extremely important that students and adults wash their hands frequently and make sure they are using soap. If you have any questions about Shigella infections, please contact the Grady County Health Department at 229-377-2992 or your Healthcare Provider.