BURRILLVILLE, R.I. -- Shigellosis, the diarrheal illness that led to the shutdown of Spring Lake Beach this week, has been reported in other nearby areas, with nearly 150 people sickened so far.
A total of 134 people who swam at Spring Lake, in Burrillville, on July 4 contracted the illness. An additional 14 cases have been reported in people who swam at Wallum Lake, in Burrillville and Douglas, Mass., during the past few days. Cases have also been reported in Rhode Island residents who swam in nearby Massachusetts, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health.
The illnesses were all caused by Shigella sonnei bacterium, which spreads through feces. Health officials theorized that an ill toddler in a diaper spread the illness at Spring Lake. Spring Lake has since reopened.
"Fortunately," said health director Michael Fine, "good hand washing, avoiding swimming if you've been ill with diarrhea and staying home for 48 hours after you no longer have diarrhea are effective ways to help prevent the spread of shigellosis."
Most people infected with shigella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps starting one to three days after exposure. Most infections are not severe and last between 48 and 72 hours.