Shigellosis Outbreak May Be Linked to Flint Water Crisis
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines Shigellosis as an infectious disease caused by Shigella bacteria and is believed to be spread by unwashed hands.
A Shigella outbreak in Flint, MI could possibly be linked to the city’s water crisis that dates back to the spring of 2014 when Flint ceased sourcing water from Lake Huron and Detroit River to the Flint River--a water source that officials say had failed to apply corrosion inhibitors. The new water source, and its rotting pipes, has caused a 2 year headache for the city, primarily a public health crisis due to lead contamination. Flint residents have suffered everything from hair loss to severe skin breakouts. Residents have been using both bottled and filtered water while the water crisis continues.