Child diagnosed with Shigella after swimming in Cotile Lake

RAPIDES PARISH, La. (KALB) - The Rapides Parish Police Jury has announced that a child has been diagnosed with Shigella after swimming in Cotile Lake on August 29.

RPPJ said they have contacted the Department of Environmental Quality and the Region 6 Health Department regarding the incident.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define Shigella as a bacteria that can cause an infection called shigellosis. Symptoms usually start one to two days after infection and last seven days. Most people with shigellosis experience:

• Diarrhea that can be bloody or prolonged (lasting more than three days)
• Fever
• Stomach pain
• Feeling the need to pass stool even when the bowels are empty

More information will be provided as information becomes available.

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