Department of Health

Shigella outbreak linked to Esoteric Festival in Donald

14/03/24

Victorians who attended the Esoteric Festival from March 8 to 12 are being urged to get tested for shigella immediately if they experience gastro symptoms.

The warning follows a confirmed outbreak of the disease at the Donald event, with preliminary results suggesting it was an antimicrobial resistant strain.

Victoria's Acting Chief Health Officer, Ben Cowie, said the bowel infection was highly contagious and mainly transmitted through the faecal-oral route, or contaminated food.

"Symptoms may include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting,” Dr Cowie said.

"Symptoms usually develop one to three days following exposure but can occur as early as 12 hours to as late as one week afterwards in some cases.”

People with symptoms should maintain good hygiene, practice handwashing, avoid preparing food for others and practice safer sex practices.

Those with shigellosis who work as food handlers, childcare workers, health care workers, or workers in a residential facility should not return to work until advised.

The Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit has been working with the Department of Health, Buloke Shire Council, local health staff, festival management, and other stakeholders to manage the outbreak since its onset and implement appropriate public health measures.

At this stage only a small number of cases have been notified with confirmed shigella but we are aware of at least 120 individuals with gastroenteritis symptoms.

Shigella gastroenteritis (shigellosis) is a bowel infection characterised by an acute onset of diarrhoea (which may be watery or contain traces of pus, mucous or blood), fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.

Dr Cowie said it was important those with symptoms kept their fluids up and practiced good hygiene.

"Make sure you’re getting plenty of fluids and keeping hydrated – antibiotic treatment is only required in the case of severe infection," he said.

“Good hygiene can prevent the spread of shigella gastroenteritis.”

Wash your hands often and thoroughly, especially after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food.”

For additional information, see Gastroenteritis - shigellosisExternal Link on Better Health Channel.

Reviewed 14 March 2024

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