Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases - Missouri ...

SHIGELLOSIS PROVIDER
EXCLUSION
(Continued)
July 2011
asymptomatic for more than 7 calendar days.
Outbreaks:
Screenings should be conducted by the Missouri State Public Health Lab.
Other restrictions may apply; call your local/state health department for guidance.
DIAGNOSIS Recommend parents/guardians call their healthcare provider if their child has
symptoms of shigellosis. There is a lab test to detect Shigella in the feces.
TREATMENT If Shigella bacteria are found, antibiotic treatment is available. Children and staff
in childcare settings should be treated. Shigella bacteria can be resistant to one or
more antibiotics, so physicians should test to see which antibiotics are effective.
Vomiting and diarrhea may lead to dehydration, which may be a medical
emergency. Ask a healthcare provider how to prevent dehydration.
PREVENTION/CONTROL
� Regular and thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread
of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm
running water after using the toilet or changing diapers and before preparing or
eating food. Staff should closely monitor or assist all children, as appropriate,
with handwashing after children have used the bathroom or been diapered.
� Restrict students from sharing any communal food items that are brought from
home. In the classroom, children should not serve themselves food items that
are not individually wrapped. The teacher should hand out these items after
washing his/her hands. (This is not intended to discourage family-style serving
in the absence of an outbreak.)
� DO NOT allow children to swallow water when swimming in lakes, swimming
pools, hot tubs, water parks, or fountains.
� Clean and sanitize diapering area and potty chairs after each use and bathroom
toilets and sinks at least daily and when soiled. (See pgs 35-41)
� Clean and sanitize mouthed objects and surfaces at least daily and when soiled.
(See pgs 35-41)
For more information, call Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) at 573-751-6113
or 866-628-9891 (8-5 Monday thru Friday) or call your local health department.
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