Shigella infection reported at Milwaukee school; what to know

MILWAUKEE - A highly-contagious bacteria is putting students and staff at risk at a Milwaukee Public School. According to the city health department, a case of shigellosis was reported at La Escuela Fratney.

Shigella bacteria can cause stomach pain, diarrhea and fever. A UW Health doctor told FOX6 News, while it can be difficult to contain, people should not panic. However, they should take precautions.

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"Nervous, sorry to say, but not surprised," parent Elizangela Areizaga said. 

"Since COVID it’s kind of like, ‘Oh, another thing to deal with,’" said parent Jason Schuler.

Fratney Street School, Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Health Department said shigella can be spread through contaminated food, water or contact with fecal material. 

"It’s serious that you need to pay attention to it," said Dr. Greg Demuri, UW Health pediatric infectious disease specialist. "Most children and adults with healthy immune systems do OK with the disease, and it passes.

"With this infection, paying attention to cleaning hands – especially after going to the bathroom – is incredibly important. For young children who might be in diapers, it is really important to clean the area you changed a diaper in."

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In a statement, MPS said in part: "We are following procedures to treat this issue, and no other infections have been reported." Meanwhile, parents said they’ll be watching for warning signs.

"It does make me fearful," said Areizaga. "My biggest concern would be how fast is this spreading."

"It certainly concerns me. I don’t want my child to get sick, but again, I trust their procedures and will keep an eye out on my child making sure he’s doing OK," Schuler said.

The Milwaukee Health department is providing guidance to affected individuals and recommending enhanced hygiene and cleaning measures. Families are encouraged to practice thorough handwashing and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.

CIRCA 2003: Shigella dysenteriae, bacteria which causes bacillary dysentery or shigellosis, seen under a microscope. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)

What is shigellosis?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Shigella bacteria cause an infection called shigellosis. Shigella causes an estimated 450,000 infections in the U.S. each year, and antimicrobial resistant infections result in an estimated $93 million in direct medical costs.

Shigellosis is contagious and can spread through contaminated food, water or contact with fecal material. 

RELATED: Shigellosis information from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services

"That’s the really bad thing about this bacteria. It is very contagious," said Demuri.

Data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services shows 300-400 cases are reported in the state per year. Health care providers are required to report any cases within 72 hours.

Shigellosis symptoms

Symptoms usually start one or two days after infection and last seven days. Most people with shigellosis experience:

• Diarrhea that can be bloody or prolonged (lasting more than three days)
• Fever
• Stomach pain
• Feeling the need to pass stool (poop) even when the bowels are empty