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Shigellosis Cases Grow In Catawba County

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HICKORY, N.C. — The number of confirmed cases of shigellosis inCatawba County has grown to eleven and more test results expectedtoday could drive the number higher.

The health department is screening 20 additional people for thebacterial disease.

Shigellosis is highly contagious and most often found inchildren. Symptoms include stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting,nausea, upset stomach and fever.

The county health department is investigating six day cares forsuspected cases of the disease. The names of the day cares have notbeen released.

Health officials say it's the worst outbreak of the disease inCatawba County in at least ten years.

More than 90 cases of shigellosis has been reported at ten day-care center in Gaston County.

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