Bacteria causing intense stomach complications sees uptick in Broome County

BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. (WBNG) — The Broome County Health Department has observed an increase in medical cases for a bacterial illness that can result in severe stomach complications for roughly a week, according to a report released on Thursday.

The BCHD has observed an increase in shigellosis cases in the county over the last several months. The gastrointestinal illness is caused by the bacteria Shigella. If infected, this illness can cause symptoms like diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, and a feeling to pass stool even when the bowels are empty.

The symptoms start one to two days after infection and can last up to 7 days, the BCHD said.

Doctors with BCHD have seen a rise in cases since August 2025, noting nearly two dozen cases compared to the average 6 cases.

“We have seen an uptick of shigellosis cases in Broome County,” said Dr. Lazarus Gehring, medical director for the Broome County Health Department. “Since August 2025, we have reported 22 cases to New York State,” he said. “Broome County typically sees about six cases each year on average,” he said.

These infections aren’t common, as the Shigella germs are found in stool, so anything that gets contaminated with stool can potentially spread the germs, the BCHD said. The germs can spread from one person to another through contaminated water, food, or objects. It can also be spread during sexual activity with a person who’s sick, the BCHD said.

Precautions can be made to avoid getting or spreading shigellosis, such as:

• Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after using the bathroom.
• Take care when changing diapers.
• Avoid swallowing water while swimming.
• When traveling internationally, follow safe food and water habits and clean your hands often.
• If you or your partner has been diagnosed with shigellosis, do not have sexual contact for at least two weeks after diarrhea ends.

For more information on Shigellosis, you can visit the New York State Department of Health website.

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