Introduction to Epidemiology 6th Edition by Ray M Merrill

Exercise 4

The common-source and first cases of the outbreak were from the well water. Explain how the secondary cases of shigellosis probably occurred. Identify the probablemode(s) of transmission in the secondary cases.

Step 1 of 2

The cause of shigellosis is the bacteria having genus Shigella. It consists of four main types of bacteria which are pathogenic. The main source through which this organism transmitted is excreta of the infected person and some carriers like flies and others. This disease causes an infection in the intestine. There is usually 1 to 4 days of incubation period. Young children and infants can be affected very easily by this.