LaredoBuzz.Com

City of Laredo Health Department,

Laredo, TX – The City of Laredo Health Department wants to remind the community to take precautions against bacterial disease “stomach” infections that may cause loose stool, cramping, urgency to have a bowel movement and vomiting.  As we approach the summer, we urge families to take precautions especially since we have had an increase in Shigellosis (bacterial “stomach” infection) primarily in children.  Bacterial “stomach” illnesses can be caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemicals that are found in food, natural water and other beverages that have been contaminated and infect the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines).

We want persons to enjoy their summer and want to remind them to take precautions with the following measures:

·         Wash your hands with soap carefully and frequently especially before and after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, before handling or eating food, drinks, and utensils. Hands can move germs from restrooms, garbage, raw meats, dirty dishes, and runny noses or coughs onto food.

  Before and after caring for someone who is sick

  Before and after treating a cut or wound

  After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

  After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste

  Remind children in school to wash hands frequently

• Dispose of soiled diapers properly
• Disinfect diaper changing areas after using them
• Keep children with diarrhea out of child care or school settings
• Supervise hand washing of toddlers and small children after they use the toilet
• Do not prepare food for others while ill with diarrhea
• Avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes, or untreated pools
• Make sure children do not place their mouth on the water fountain sprout
• Keep food and water properly stored and refrigerated and cook well
• Proper bathing wear should be worn by all even diaper age children
• Always rinse and shower after swimming in chlorinated or natural bodies of water, always wash hands before eating after swimming.
• If a food handler has diarrhea he/she needs to check with his physician before returning to work.

If you or someone you know has any symptoms of gastrointestinal disease like loose stool, cramping, urgency to have a bowel movement, vomiting and the stool may contain blood, please contact your physician right away, this is especially important for children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems like people with Diabetes, Cancer, Hypertension, etc.

For more information, please contact the City of Laredo Health Department – Epidemiology Division at (956) 795-4950 or Environmental Health at (956) 795-4935 or 795-4904.