Saskatchewan health officials have issued a warning about illnesses caused by the Shigella bacteria, after an unusually high number of cases this year.
The province usually sees between 10 and 15 cases per year, which are usually related to foreign travel.
Since April 2011, Saskatchewan has had 48 recorded cases. The majority of these cases were found in children, and were not linked to overseas travel. Officials believe the illness is spreading from person to person within the province.
Shigella bacteria causes an illness characterized by stomach pain and cramps, fever, and diarrhea that can include mucus and blood.
Anyone who experiences these symptoms should contact a doctor or nurse practitioner, and stay home from work or school to limit the possible spread to others.
Officials say the bacteria spreads very easily, and the best prevention is proper hand washing.
