SYRACUSE -- The Onondaga County Health Department reports that cases of shigellosis, a bacterial gastrointestinal infection, are on the rise in the Syracuse area.

After the Health Department reported an outbreak over the summer the cases diminished. However, they are on the rise again.

Commissioner of Health Dr. Cynthia Morrow says there have been almost 120 confirmed cases and about 50 probable cases of shigellosis. By comparison, Morrow says the health department usually only sees 3-5 cases in the county per year.

"Clusters of cases have been associated with child care and adult care programs, but many cases are scattered throughout the community, with a concentration in the city of Syracuse," says Morrow. "Furthermore, more than half of the ill individuals are children, mostly young children aged 5 and under."

The health department believes most of cases are the result of ongoing person-to-person transmission within the community, and reminds the public that the best way to prevent shigellosis is by practicing good hand washing. They stress the importance of cleanliness, especially among children. They say they are workith with child care providers to make sure everyone has adequate cleaning and disinfecting supplies on hand.

Shigellosis is a bacterial infection that is caused by drinking or eating food contaminated with fecal matter.

The disease causes severe diarrhea, cramps and fever. It's highly contagious and spreads mostly through contaminated food or by people who do not thoroughly wash their hands.

Morrow says people who come with with shigellosis should try to avoid directly contact with others until they are no longer contagious, which is typically 7-10 days.