A Shigellosis outbreak in the state has sickened more than 560 people from about March 1 to Dec. 18. Shigellosis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by Shigella bacteria that can be spread by person-to-person contact or by infected food.

Cases have been confirmed in 14 counties, the bulk of them in Linn county (285) followed by Polk (84), Dubuque (65) and Johnson (52) counties.

Shigellosis can be serious for the very young and the elderly, and also for those who are immune-compromised. Shigellosis typically resolves itself without direct treatment. In rare cases, complications can occur.

Symptoms include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, abdominal pain and tenesmus, a painful sensation caused by trying to pass stools even when bowels are empty.

Patients suspected of having Shigellosis should contact their health care provider for more information.