United States: Shigellosis has become a matter of concern for the local health authorities of Santa Cruz County in California. The cases linked to the bacterial infection have increased in recent times, which has led to relocation and possible postponement of the Santa Cruz Cookout, which was organized to be held in Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz on Saturday.
The announcement related to postponement was made by the head organizer of Santa Cruz Cookout – Ayo Banjo. Through the statement, Banjo stated, “It is with a deep sense of responsibility and care that I, Ayo Banjo, head organizer of the Santa Cruz Cookout in collaboration with Black Health Matters Initiative, announce the postponement of this year’s event, originally scheduled for Saturday at Harvey West Park,” according to the reports by Santa Cruz Sentinel.
The statement further explained, “This decision comes in light of a recent report by the city of Santa Cruz detailing a highly infectious Shigella bacteria outbreak within the park, attributed to the encampments. The safety of our community is paramount, and it is upon this principle that we must act to prevent any potential health risks that could arise from gathering at the affected location.”
What do health authorities have to say?
The cases linked to bacterial infection have been increasing at a concerning pace, according to the stats shared by the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency. The agency has further elaborated that the county has reported four (4) confirmed Shigellosis cases since late January.
As per the details, the majority of the cases are found among the people who experience homelessness in Santa Cruz County.
While addressing the concern, the health authorities also shared an alert that stated, “Shigellosis is a diarrheal illness caused by the highly infectious Shigella bacteria, and infected persons can shed up to four weeks after illness.”
Further, the statement outlined that “typical symptoms last 5 to 7 days and include watery or bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and malaise. Some infections can be quite severe, especially in young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised,” according to the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Along with this, the health authorities have underscored that some of the other symptoms of the disease are dehydration, bacteremia, and seizures.
In addition to this, the agency also mentioned that the most common mode of transmission from one person to another is poor handwashing, food preparation, or contaminated water, and in certain cases, sexual transmission may also occur.
Statement by a health expert!
The public information officer with Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency – Corinne Hyland, via an email stated, “People can protect themselves from respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses by washing their hands with soap and water carefully and frequently, especially after using the bathroom, after changing diapers and before preparing and consuming foods or beverages,” according to Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Further, it addressed, “In addition, stay home if you are sick.”
In addition to this, City spokesperson – Erika Smart mentioned that notices about the precautionary measures were posted at Harvey West Park restroom facilities. However, there are no orders that outline that the park will be closed. The park authorities have outlined that they have installed portable restrooms and handwashing stations near the Friendship Garden in Harvey West Park so that the spread of the disease can be stopped or controlled.