The disease is most common in toddlers and has been known to originate in day care centers.

Shigellosis is an infection of the intestine caused by the bacteria, shigella. The bacteria can cause diarrhea, which may be bloody, as well as severe dehydration.

In recent weeks, the Columbus Health Department has investigated 97 cases of shigellosis in Franklin County and Columbus.

In 2007, 13 cases were reported in Franklin County, 10TV’s Kevin Landers reported.

Health officials on Friday said they had not yet identified the source of the disease. The health department said it had notified area day care centers, emergency rooms, health care providers and pools in an effort to raise awareness of the disease.

According to the Centers For Disease Control, shigella bacteria is usually passed from stools to fingers, or through poor hand washing habits. It can also be transmitted through infected food, or by food handlers who failed to wash their hands.

The bacteria has also been known to contaminate pools. Assistant Columbus Health Commissioner Debbie Coleman said careful attention should be paid to family wading pools that do not contain chlorine.

Coleman said parents should refrain from using such pools while cases of shigellosis are occurring, Landers reported.

According to a release issued by the Columbus Health Department, shigellosis primarily affects children under 5, but can occur in persons of all ages.

People diagnosed with shigellosis usually recover without treatment, but antibiotics are sometimes used in severe cases.

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