New Caledonia reports Shigella outbreak, Mostly on Lifou Island
New Caledonia reports Shigella outbreak, Mostly on Lifou Island
Health officials for the archipelago of New Caledonia report from 10 February to 18 March, 2024, 43 confirmed Shigella cases were confirmed.
The majority of these cases were in individuals aged 10 and below, predominantly amongst residents of Lifou Island.
In response to the increased incidence, several recommendations were disseminated to address the situation. These include requesting people with symptoms to stay away from schools and early childhood establishments, reinforcement of individual and family hygiene practices such as handwashing, and improvements in food hygiene (including cooking and storage).
Shigellosis is an intestinal illness caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. Common symptoms include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, nausea, and fever. Symptoms usually begin within two days after exposure to Shigella and typically last for five to seven days. Many people may have mild disease that gets better without medical treatment and will recover fully. However, some people, especially young children, older adults, and persons with weakened immune systems, may have severe disease that requires hospitalization. A
small number of people can develop complications such as blood stream infections, seizures, kidney failure or arthritis.
Shigella is very infectious and spreads easily. An infected person sheds Shigella bacteria in their stool while they are sick and often for more than a week afterwards. Not washing your hands well after using the toilet can spread the bacteria. Shigella spreads from exposure to feces of an infected person, which can occur during sexual contact. It also spreads by eating foods or liquids contaminated with feces from an infected person or swallowing untreated recreational water (such as lakes or water park play fountains) contaminated with Shigella.