Bacteria causing intense stomach complications sees uptick in Broome County
WBNG • • health
Key Points:
- The Broome County Health Department has reported an increase in shigellosis cases, a bacterial illness causing severe stomach symptoms, with 22 cases since August 2025 compared to the usual average of six per year.
- Shigellosis, caused by the Shigella bacteria, leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, and urgency to pass stool, typically starting 1-2 days after infection and lasting up to 7 days.
- The bacteria spread through contaminated stool via water, food, objects, or sexual contact, making hygiene and preventive measures critical to control transmission.
- Recommended precautions include frequent handwashing, careful diaper changing, avoiding swallowing water while swimming, practicing safe food and water habits during
