Health minister warns of increased Shigella contamination in children

The Ministry of Health has announced a significant increase in contamination by the Shigella bacterium Sonnei highly resistant to treatment. The ministry said that contamination with this bacterium mainly affected children. He asked to follow a series of instructions to limit the spread of this bacterium.

In a statement dated November 12, 2022, the ministry asked:

– Wash hands with soap, especially before preparing meals, after eating, and after changing a baby’s diapers and trimming nails.

– Clean and disinfect toilets before and after use

– Use drinking water from controlled waters and otherwise use boiled water

– Respect the rules of hygiene during the various phases of food preparation and transfer and wash fruit, vegetables and dishes

– Dispose of contaminated baby diapers in airtight bags and clean the area used to change them

– Don’t swim until you’re healed

– Dispose of mixed waste hygienically and daily fighting against flies

In case of diarrhoea, the ministry asks to contact a doctor and drink liquids. The same source emphasized natural breastfeeding for babies. The department said sufferers should stay at home, follow doctor’s instructions and avoid contact with other family members. Infected children should not go to school or kindergarten.

SG