A highly contagious stomach bug that can cause fever, severe gastrointestinal symptoms and abdominal pain has spread to upstate New York, authorities say.
Health officials say 66 cases of Shigella have been confirmed in Rockland County, including 17 so far this month.
Shigella can cause bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea and cramps. It is spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Although Shigella can infect anyone, it is mostly seen in young children. Rockland County health officials say that students at schools in Ramapo School District make up for the bulk of the cases in the county.
Last week, the New York City Department of Health warned residents of a Shigella outbreak in parts of Williamsburg and Borough Park in Brooklyn.
Health officials urge residents to wash their hands frequently to prevent the disease from spreading.
Shigella is typically a mild infection and most people can recover on their own.
