In Tazewell County, health officials are battling an outbreak of an infectious disease, they say is easily preventable. The County's number of Shigella cases have increased to 18, compared to only one last year.

Shigella is caused by a group of bacteria that health officials say can be avoided by hand-washing, sanitary food handling and diaper changing, eliminating shared water play areas, and staying home when diagnosed. Those diagnosed with the bacteria are urged not to return to school or daycare for 24 hours after being symptom free.

The bacteria is spread through the fecal-oral route and is more typical in young children and those who live in crowded conditions.

Signs and Symptoms to look for are similar to the flu. Loose watery stools with blood or mucus, fever, headache, convulsions, and abdominal pain can be associated with the bacteria.

"For the average person, they are not going to know whether they just have a bug or flu or something didn't agree with them that they ate," says Andrea Ingwersen with the county's health department. "That's why it's so important all the time to have good hygiene and wash hands properly."

Shigellosis can usually be treated with antibiotics. Shigella diagnoses are required to be reported to the health department. If your child has a fever or diarrhea, call your family doctor, who can test for the illness.