Gettin' shiggy wit it: Increase of shigella-linked illnesses in St. Louis
STLtoday reports tonight that there appears to be an Shigella outbreak going on linked to child care centers in St. Louis. Shigellosis is characterized by fever, cramps and may result in bloody diarrhea, but most recover within a week without treatment.
There have been 67 cases of shigellosis from July 1 through Monday, compared to nine cases for all of 2008, according to the St. Louis City Department of Health.
Health officials said four day care centers and one school clustered in south St. Louis city reported illnesses. Officials did not offer other specifics except to say that children ages 4 and younger are most commonly infected.
City health officials sent the shigellosis alert to day cares and schools, where the shigella bacteria is typically spread when people don’t wash their hands properly after using the bathroom or changing diapers. It can also be spread through contact with food. Shigella bacteria can remain in feces for several weeks.
Proper ferret care: Don't throw it in a bathtub with a naked Jeff "The Dude" Bridges
Produced in association with the Ferret Education & Research Trust (FERT), the leaflet reflects the growing popularity of these intelligent and curious animals as household pets.Carl Padgett, Chair of the BVA AWF Trustees explained that,
"while ferrets can sleep for a large period of the day, when they are awake they are very active and need a lot of stimulation to occupy their time. They live an average of eight to ten years so a high level of commitment and care is needed but our new guide should ensure that even the novice owner has all the information necessary to ensure their pet's health and welfare."
Covering the basics such as housing, feeding, health care and toilet training, the guide also offers advice on 'ferret-proofing' your home and garden, advice on games - ferrets particularly love hide-and-seek - and, very importantly, breeding and neutering as well as vaccination against Canine Distemper should owners be tempted to take their ferret for a walk on a lead and harness.
The 'Caring for your ferret' leaflet is available to download from the BVA AWF website at http://www.bva-awf.org.uk/resources/leaflets.(Doug Powell and Ben Chapman, left, not exactly as pictured).
