'Much more severe kind of food poisoning': Restaurant owners concerned about drug-resistant shigella

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning about the increase in shigella, a drug-resistant bacteria that can be spread through contaminated food and surfaces.

CDC issues warning over an increase of drug-resistant bacteria

While currently there are no known cases in North Carolina of shigella, local experts said it's just a matter of time based on how fast it can transmit.

"[It's a] much more severe kind of food poisoning," said Dr. Cameron Wolfe, an infectious disease expert at Duke Health.

Wolfe said some of the symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever, with symptoms lasting up to seven days.

The symptoms are only part of what has Wolfe concerned.

"Part of the concern recently is has been that many of the bacteria is becoming more drug-resistant," Wolfe said.

Another issue with shigella is, while your symptoms may end after seven days, you could still be contagious for several weeks.

"It's really risky to have something like that, especially in a restaurant," said Fredy Alvarez, owner of Gringo A Go Go in Raleigh. "If someone's contagious, they can spread it."

With the potential for shigella to spread from raw foods or food prepped by someone who has an infection, Alvarez and his employees have been stepping up their practices in response to the CDC warning.

Alvarez is putting an emphasis on making sure the staff is deep cleaning and washing their hands and wearing gloves while they are handling food.

He also is encouraging anyone who isn't feeling well to stay home.

"We know we can be short people," Alvarez said. "We prefer to sacrifice short on restaurant, but know everyone's health is safe that way."

Wolfe and other experts encourage people to wash their hands before eating or while preparing food and after going to the bathroom.

Wolfe also said staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and electrolytes is key.