Shigella infection at La Escuela Fratney Elementary School
Fratney Street School, Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE - A case of shigellosis (Shigella bacteria infection) has been reported at La Escuela Fratney Elementary School.
Milwaukee Public Schools confirmed one case, but did not initially specify which school the infection occurred at.
The City of Milwaukee Health Department later confirmed it was at La Escuela Fratney, saying it is actively working with the school.
Fratney Street School, Milwaukee
The school district says it is following procedures to treat this issue, and no other infections have been reported.
Students and their families have been notified, and the school district says it will be communicating a plan to ensure students and staff are washing their hands after transitions to ensure everyone’s safety. It will continue to conduct deep cleaning in high-touch surface areas as well.
RELATED: Shigellosis information from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services
MPS is working closely with the Milwaukee Public Health Department and will be providing a guide for students and families to make sure that they are taking all precautions to stay healthy.
Fratney Street School, Milwaukee
What is shigellosis?
According to the CDC, Shigella bacteria cause an infection called shigellosis. Shigella causes an estimated 450,000 infections in the United States each year, and antimicrobial resistant infections result in an estimated $93 million in direct medical costs.
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Shigellosis is contagious and can spread through contaminated food, water, or contact with fecal material.
Symptoms usually start 1–2 days after infection and last seven days. Most people with shigellosis experience:
- Diarrhea that can be bloody or prolonged (lasting more than three days)
- Fever
- Stomach pain
- Feeling the need to pass stool (poop) even when the bowels are empty
CIRCA 2003: Shigella dysenteriae, bacteria which causes bacillary dysentery or shigellosis, seen under a microscope. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)
The City of Milwaukee Health department is providing guidance to affected individuals and recommending enhanced hygiene and cleaning measures. Families are encouraged to practice thorough handwashing and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.
For more information on shigellosis, click here.