People can get a Shigella infection (shigellosis) after putting something in their mouth or swallowing something that has come into contact with the stool (poop) of someone with a Shigella infection.
You can reduce your chance of getting infected by following these tips:
Take care when changing diapers.
As soon as you change a diaper, throw it away in a covered, lined garbage can.
Clean up any leaks or spills from the diaper right away.
Wash your hands and the child’s hands with soap and water right away.
Clean and disinfect
Clean and disinfect toys and surfaces regularly, especially after vomiting or diarrhea. You can use a solution of 100 ppm available chlorine for at least 30 seconds or 25 ppm available iodine for at least one minute.
Swimming
If your child isn’t toilet trained, have them wear tight-fitting waterproof pants or swimming nappies in swimming pools. Change them regularly in the change room and disinfect the pool after any accidents. You can also avoid swimming pools during or shortly after a diarrheal illness.
Help prevent the spread of Shigella infection to others when you are sick.
Wash hands often, especially:
Before eating or preparing food.
After using the bathroom or changing diapers.
Don’t prepare food if you are sick or share food with anyone.
Don’t swim.
Don’t have sex for at least two weeks after you no longer have diarrhea.
Stay home from school or from healthcare, food service, or childcare jobs while sick or until your health department says it’s safe to return.
