Public Health officials in PEI have identified some individuals who have returned recently from the Dominican Republic and who have been diagnosed as having an illness.
The PEI Department of Health and Social Services is reminding residents of PEI who are planning a vacation in Mexico, Latin America or the Caribbean of the precautions routinely recommended for visitors to that area.
In the past 10 days, there have been six cases of illness due to a bacteria called Shigella diagnosed in PEI. Usually there are no more that two cases of this disease diagnosed in PEI in an entire year. Those who get this illness usually acquire it through food or water during a visit to a foreign country. All of those diagnosed recently with this illness in PEI have either just returned from a vacation in the Dominican Republic or live in a home where someone has been ill after returning from the Dominican Republic.
The most common symptom of those who have this illness is diarrhea but some have also had abdominal cramps, nausea, loss of appetite or fever.
Shigella is quite contagious and those ill from this bacteria are advised to thoroughly wash their hands with lots of soap and water after using the washroom or after handling bedding or towels used by someone with the illness. Anyone with the illness whose job includes the handling of food or caring for preschool aged children will be asked to stay off work until they are free of the bacteria.
The disease is treatable with antibiotics and very rarely life-threatening but adults can be quite ill for several days and there is even more concern of illness and spread among children.
Health Canada has been contacted so that public health authorities in the Caribbean can be aware of the situation. There is no vaccine available for travellers to take before going to countries where Shigella may be present.
Travellers to Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean are advised to be aware of the following general precautions for preventing illnesses spread through food or water when visiting those areas:
1) Avoid eating foods which are partially cooked.
2) Do not eat uncooked foods, salads, shellfish or lettuce.
3) Drink only water which has been purified by boiling or to which iodine or chlorine has been added. Consider drinking bottled water from a sealed container. Use only purified water when cleaning the teeth.
4) Avoid ice unless it is certain that it has been made with purified water.
5) Be certain to consume only milk and dairy products which have been pasteurized.
6) Fruit which can be peeled is usually safe.
7) It is advised to avoid obtaining food sold by street vendors.
Persons who return to PEI from the Dominican Republic and who are ill are advised to see their doctor.