By Bill Raack, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – Health officials in St. Louis County say that cases of shigellosis have dramatically increased this year.
Shigellosis, also known as shigella, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects children in daycare facilities. It's primary symptom is diarrhea.
The St. Louis County Health Department says there have been 331 reports of shigellosis this year, compared to nine cases for the same period last year. Most of the cases affect kids and staff at area daycare centers.
The disease has spread to about 60 day cares in the city, north St. Louis County and Fenton.
Health officials are urging parents, day care workers and others affiliated with the centers to take precautions aimed at stopping the spread. Those precautions include hand-washing, keeping toys clean, and keeping food and change areas clean.