Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are currently in Genesee County investigating a shigella outbreak, along with the Genesee County Health Department.

Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium shigella and can produce symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.

Shigella is easily spread through a fecal-oral route, so the best way to prevent spreading the illness is frequent handwashing.

It is important to wash your hands throughout the day, but it is especially important after using the bathroom, after changing a diaper, and before preparing food.

There have been 177 reported cases of shigella-based incidents in Genesee and Saginaw counties since March 1, 2016. These numbers are higher than reported last year.

The CDC is doing research to determine the source of the outbreak and how it is being spread.

Mr. Mark Valacek, a health officer from the Genesee County Health Department, said tracking down the source of the outbreak is important.

“By contacting those who were ill, we can learn more about how the shigella infection was spread,” Valacak said.

If you or anyone in your family is experiencing symptoms of shigellosis, visit your healthcare provider and inquire about a shigella test.

People who do have a shigella infection usually get better within five to seven days on their own.