By Alabama Public Radio
Tuscaloosa, AL – Health officials say a shigellosis outbreak could be curbed by proper and diligent hand-washing. It's a bacterial infection that usually causes diarrhea and a fever, and it can last up to a week. Fifty-five cases have been reported in Alabama since March. Forty-three have been in Tuscaloosa County. The majority of the cases affected children younger than five years old, but the outbreak has not been linked to preschool or daycare facilities. The Alabama Department of Public Health has issued a warning in an attempt to stop the bacteria's spread.