The Rapides Parish Police Jury announced September 2, 2026, that it received notification of a child being diagnosed with Shigella after swimming at Cotile Lake on Saturday, August 29.

The Police Jury said it has contacted the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the Region 6 Health Department regarding the matter and will update the public as more information becomes available.

Shigella are bacteria that cause an infection called shigellosis. Shigella cause an estimated 450,000 infections in the United States each year.

The most common ways people get sick are from eating or drinking contaminated food or water and contact with someone who is sick or has recently been sick with a Shigella infection. Shigella can also be spread during sexual activity with a sick person.

Symptoms usually start one to two days after infection and last about seven days. Most people with shigellosis experience diarrhea that can be bloody or prolonged, fever, stomach pain and the feeling of needing to pass stool even when the bowels are empty.

Shigella spreads easily, and swallowing a small amount of Shigella germs can cause illness. The bacteria can spread from one person to another or through contaminated water, food, surfaces or objects.

People can take steps to avoid getting or spreading Shigella, including washing hands with soap and water, taking care when changing diapers and avoiding swallowing water while swimming.

People with shigellosis usually get better without antibiotic treatment in five to seven days. People with mild shigellosis may need only fluids and rest. Those experiencing diarrhea should drink plenty of water or other fluids to avoid dehydration.

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