Eureka Elks Lodge. | Google Street View.
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The Elks Lodge in Eureka had to close for two weeks due to a Shigella outbreak. The outbreak started at an event on August 28, where people got sick after attending. Some infected individuals kept coming to the lodge and serving food, which made the situation worse. Health officials worked with the lodge to try and stop the spread of the illness, but more cases appeared. Shigella is a germ found in stool and spreads easily through contaminated food or surfaces. Symptoms include fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. People can prevent the spread by washing hands regularly. If you feel sick, stay home and avoid sharing food or swimming until you feel better. Contact a doctor or Public Health if you have symptoms.
Vocabulary List:
- Outbreak /ˈaʊt.breɪk/ (noun): A sudden rise in the incidence of a disease.
- Contaminated /kənˈtæm.ɪ.neɪ.tɪd/ (adjective): Made unclean or unsafe by the introduction of harmful substances.
- Symptoms /ˈsɪmp.təmz/ (noun): Physical or mental features indicating a condition or disease.
- Officials /əˈfɪʃ.əlz/ (noun): People in positions of authority or responsibility.
- Prevention /prɪˈvɛn.ʃən/ (noun): The act of stopping something from happening.
- Health /hɛlθ/ (noun): The state of being free from illness or injury.
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