By Sandra Walker // Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Public health officials are seeing an increase in Shigella infections in Saginaw and Genesee Counties. Shigella are bacteria that cause gastrointestinal illness which includes mild to severe diarrhea.
As a result, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is asking licensed retail food facilities to be on the watch for employee illness and to remind your staff to practice good hand washing and sanitization techniques to help prevent the spread of disease.
Employees who are ill should stay at home until all of their symptoms are gone and stools are normal for at least 48 hours. Employees who are confirmed to have Shigella cannot return to work until cleared by their doctor and MDARD. Please discuss the attached fact sheet with your employees and post in a conspicuous area.
If you have questions regarding Shigellosis, please contact your local health department.
If you have questions regarding employee health or other food safety issues, please contact your MDARD inspector or contact the MDARD Food and Dairy Division at 800-292-3939.
