(March 12, 2008)-A bacterial infection has claimed the life of one Central Texas child, and made five others sick.
The infection is called Shigella, and is found in the intestines.
In some cases it produces dangerous levels of a bi-product called shiga toxin.
This along with dehydration due to diarrhea and kidney failure make an untreated infection potentially lethal if left untreated, especially for the elderly, the very young, or anyone with a compromised immune system.
The State Health Department of Texas says there have been 6 reported cases out of Bastrop, Fayette and Lee counties.
Three of those cases were found in adults, and three in children.
One of the infected children passed away.
The disease is treatable, and physicians most often combat Shigella with antibiotics.
They warn that it is a disease that is spread very easily, and is passed along in different ways.
People who eat contaminated food can be infected.
For example, unwashed raw produce that has come in contact with infected feces, such as that in manure used in fertilizer, may be exposed.
Meat that has been contaminated with animal waste and is not cooked thoroughly before consumption may be a carrier.
Another way the bacteria can be transmitted is orally after direct contact with feces containing bacteria.
For example, those changing infected babys' or adults' diapers could get sick if they don't wash hands thoroughly before eating.
The State Health Department says the disease is nothing new to Texas; there are usually between 100 to 200 cases per year across the state, with 2 to 3 fatalities.
But health officials are surprised by six infections happening in such close proximity to each other, and in such a short time frame.
They are investigating what they are referring to as a minor outbreak, to see if there could be a common cause.
For now, they are encouraging everyone to continue common sense preventative measures.
Those include frequent and thorough hand washing, especially after using the restroom, or coming into contact with feces, and cleansing of raw vegetables before consumption.
They emphasize that there is no need for panic; Sigella is a treatable disease.
However they do encourage anyone experiencing any symptoms of the infection to seek medical attention immediately.
Local doctors say those symptoms include: severe and/or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and possible high fever.
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