South Central Public Health District warns the community of increases cases of infectious disease Shigellosis, also known as Shigella, in South Central Idaho Thursday.

In 2015, 17 cases of Shigellosis were reported in the region. Since the beginning of 2016, 14 cases have been reported. The infectious disease has been reported in Blaine, Minidoka, Twin Falls and Jerome counties.

“Many people are unfamiliar with Shigella and what causes it,” said Tanis Maxwell, SCPHD Epidemiologist, in a news release. “Shigella is a bacteria present in the fecal matter of an infected individual. The symptoms of Shigella are watery or bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.”