Dozens of cases of stomach bug Shigella reported in Rockland County

RAMAPO (WABC) -- More than 60 people in Rockland County have been stricken with the highly contagious stomach bug Shigella in the last two months.

"We have an outbreak in our community, here in Rockland County," said Dr. Patricia Schabel Ruppert, the Rockland County Health Commissioner.

Health officials are getting the word out, in particular to the Orthodox Jewish community where news sometimes doesn't spread quickly.

Since November, there have been 66 cases of shigellosis, a powerful, highly contagious stomach bug that has affected mainly children under the age of 10.

"They are close knit, they interact with each other in school settings and in home settings, so the probability of the chances of that spread definitely does increase," said Dr. E. Oscar E. Alleyne, of the Rockland County Health Department.

The source of the illness is the shigella bacteria. Some cases can be mild and undiagnosed, but the person is still capable of transmitting the disease.

Symptoms include, diarrhea, which can be bloody, fever, and stomach cramps.

"It's easier, I think, in our community for this to spread around because people have large families, you know where families live together, so it's possibly faster to spread around," said Yossi Gestetner, of the Orthodox Jewish Public Affairs Council.

Yossi Gestetner says his own son had some symptoms, but did not become ill. More serious cases can last five to seven days.

"All schools should be equipped with the anti-bacterial hand gel, and all kids should be washing their hands," one resident said.

Indeed frequent hand washing, lasting at least 20 seconds, is the best defense. Other important safeguards include disposing of soiled diapers properly and keeping children with diarrhea home if they are sick.

Letters have been sent home to parents in the Ramapo School District and private yeshivas.

"Certain private schools that I know of have sent out notices to parents that if there is anything, any symptoms, children should stay home for a day or two," Gestetner said.

Health care providers are being urged to test for shigella.