Moms, you’re not imagining – there IS something going around with kids. It’s a one-two punch of Shigella and Norovirus, both hit you right in the gut.
Shigella is an intestinal infection. Norovirus is a gastrointestinal virus.
In a normal year, about 10 cases get reported to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. But in the last 5 months, there have been nearly 200 cases.
Most of the victims have been children under 10.
Both illnesses are spread easily from person to person.
Norovirus is so rampant right now an entire school in Cherry Hill shut down on Friday because so many kids were sick.
Shigella causes diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. As uncomfortable as it can be, most of the time kids do get through it without treatment.
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Norovirus has a lot of the same symptoms as Shigella. The symptoms often begin suddenly and can include nausea, stomach cramping, vomiting and diarrhea. The Pa. Department of Health is where you can get more info on the spike in cases, treatment and prevention.
The CDC has a lot more information on Shigella.
Best Prevention for both Shigella and Norovirus– WASH YOUR HANDS.
