Shigella bacteria can cause diarrhea and other illness.

Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department officials are cautioning residents to practice good hand-washing routines to help prevent the spread of highly contagious diarrheal illnesses.

In the past month, illnesses such as shigellosis and norovirus have been reported in Lawrence day care centers and retirement homes, as well as at a community event and a fraternity. The illnesses occur when people put in their mouths or swallow something that has come into contact with stool or vomit from someone infected with the disease. Those sick with the illnesses should stay home from work or school and remain home at least 24 hours after symptoms are resolved.

Symptoms may include diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain and vomiting.