Brooklyn, NY – The Health Department is investigating an ongoing outbreak of Shigella, an infection that causes diarrhea, among the Orthodox communities in Williamsburg and Borough Park, and working to get the word out about how to prevent the disease. Most of the people who have been getting sick are young children. So far, there have been over 45 cases reported and the numbers are rising every day.
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Large outbreaks of Shigella have occurred before in traditionally observant Jewish communities in Borough Park and Williamsburg as well as other parts of New York State, New Jersey, Illinois, Maryland and Canada. Some people may remember an outbreak in New York City in the 1980s that affected over 1,300 people and lasted five months.
Shigella is spread when food or water become contaminated with microscopic amounts of fecal matter from an infected person. It spreads when people do not wash hands well enough and have a tiny amount of infected stool on their hands, usually after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. Shigella infections can last several weeks, and people typically recover without treatment. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, nausea and stomach cramps.
The good news is that Shigella can be prevented by washing hands frequently and carefully with soap and warm, running water. Everyone should wash their hands for 20 seconds after using the toilet or changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. If you perform ritual hand washing after using the bathroom, you should also wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Shigella spreads easily among young children in daycare and preschool. And because children of this age don’t always wash their hands well, parents and teachers should make sure their children wash with soap and warm water, and that they do so in addition to saying Asher Yatsar. It takes very few Shigella bacteria to cause illness and there have been several large outbreaks in day cares and preschools in both the United States and Israel.
If you get sick, stay home while you have diarrhea. Children especially should not go to day care until they are completely recovered. We urge all residents to follow this guidance to protect their families and community and help stop the outbreak.
I guess parent teacher, rebbies must tell the children that just using a cup after going to the bathroom is not enough one must wash their hands with soap
my guess is many children thing just washing or pouring water with the cup is good enough
it isn’t
There is a great product called Clorox Wipes which is anti-bacterial and I believe you are allowed to use it on yom tov. It is a great product to have in the house especially when you have company. Helps keep the bathroom clean. Refuah Shleima to all.
Wash your hands Chasidim!
Yes we all believe in hashgacha pratis and ein od milvado. You still have to wash your hands with soap, a kvertal doesn’t help germs.
Yep ! Yep!
Its time for the Hungarian Shuls in our community to take off that Stinky Towel that is hanging in our shuls where everyone is refreshing their “vonces” and faces. I teach my children to never even touch these towels they are the perfect place from where to catch all these diseases
Please, really: tell me we’re not trying to convince Jews to use. . . . soap and water?!?! Where have we sunk to?
What’s with all these outbreaks in Chassidic communities? Measles, Mumps, poor vaccination records, now poor hygiene habits are causing some rare outbreak that’s usually seen in 3rd world countries like Somalia and Pakistan.
If you go to a Chasidisha hall there is frequently no HOT vaser and no soap.
Spread the word, not the germs!
I don’t remember the last time I saw soap in any shul or yeshiva.
Such an embarrasement.When will we ever stop hearing of these outbreaks in frum communities.Wash your kids,yourselves…get your shots…WHAT’S SO HARD ABOUT THAT????????
Shigella can actually be a quite serious illness, and not just a touch of diarrhea.
Shigella, An infection that causes diarrhea, among the Orthodox communities ?
Shigella, A taxonomic genus within the family Enterobacteriaceae — gram-negative bacteria, some of which invade the colon and trigger dysentery.
Can I ask about the overall practice of so many people handling the same water cup in restaurants for bread and after the bathroom. Besides, does halacha emphasize soap more than the actual use of the cup for cleanliness? Maybe Yair Hoffman can discuss this issue?
It is shocking to see people leaving a public rest room, whom have not washed their hands, after using the toilet. There was a study done on this phenomenon, and it stated that over 50% of individuals (for whatever reason), do not wash their hands after using the toilet. How disgusting!