16 Sick In Issaquah Elementary School Shigella Outbreak

ISSAQUAH, WA - Sixteen people associated with Cascade Ridge Elementary in Issaquah have been sickened by an outbreak of shigellosis, according to King County. The sick include students, staff, and family members, and one person has been hospitalized.

Health investigators have not identified a common source of the outbreak, but the illness is associated with the school's kindergarten classrooms. The county learned of the outbreak beginning on Nov. 26.

Of the 16 victims, eight are students. The rest are adults. The victims began experiencing symptoms between Nov. 4 and Nov. 29.

Most people sick in the outbreak have recovered. The sickness is caused by the bacteria Shigella, and symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.

Health investigators have visited the school, but did not find any improper food handling practices. The health department is recommending that the school thoroughly disinfect common areas in the school.

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