Indianapolis Sees Increase In Intestinal Infection

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Health officials say a bacterial illness is causing an outbreak of intestinal infections in the Indianapolis area.

The Indiana State Department of Health warns that the outbreak of shigellosis is occurring in Indianapolis and some of its surrounding counties. Officials say the bacteria is often spread at pools and causes abdominal cramping, fever, vomiting and diarrhea.

The Indianapolis Star reports Marion County has had more than 160 confirmed cases this year, mostly among young children. The county had 34 cases in 2013.

State health department epidemiologist Tess Gorden tells WISH-TV that anyone who has recently been vomiting or having symptoms of diarrhea shouldn't go into pools.

Officials say shigellosis symptoms typically last for a few days and clear up on their own, but severe infections could require antibiotics.