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Stanton seniors toss candy canes to the crowd during the Lighted Christmas Parade.
WEST TEXAS - The Texas Department of State Health Services is urging the public to take precautions after 27 cases of shigellosis were reported in the West Texas towns of Fort Stockton and Pecos.
According to DSHS, shigellosis is a diarrheal illness caused by bacteria that can spread through the stool of sick people or animals or by consuming contaminated food or water. The illness can cause fever, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps.
Several workers from Martin County travel to these areas multiple times per week which could potentially bring the bacteria here.
Anyone with these symptoms is urged to contact their health care provider and be tested for shigellosis. People who are sick should stay home from work or school until they are diarrhea and fever free for at least 24 hours.
DSHS recommends that you wash your hands frequently, especially before preparing or serving food, before eating, after using the bathroom, after changing a diaper, and after cleaning areas where pets or livestock live.