Federal health records show no surge of a bacterial bowel infection in Cleveland or across the state. The documented illness activity remains low despite recent alarming public reports.
The numbers come from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Shigella is a bacteria that can cause the infection known as shigellosis. It can result in fever and stomach pain. It can also cause bloody prolonged diarrhea that can last for more than 3 days.
This illness is not Cyclospora. Cyclospora surged over the summer months. The bacteria lives in poop. Ingesting it through drinking, eating or sexual activity can make a person sick.
The condition is serious if a person is infected. Current federal records suggest no surge in Ohio. The state had 9 cases in the week that ended on Sept. 26, 2026. That is according to the latest agency figures.
State counts stay low.
The previous weekly high in the state in the past year was 17 cases. Ohio had 277 cases year-to-date in 2025. The state recorded 349 cases year-to-date in 2026.
Federal agency trackers follow these numbers.
The national numbers show similar steady levels across the country:
- 2025 year-to-date cases: 14,277
- 2026 year-to-date cases: 13,921
Public health agencies monitor infectious bacteria to spot regional contamination risks. Health departments track stool reports sent from diagnostic laboratories across Cleveland clinics. These surveillance systems help workers detect common food or water sources.
The national total for 2025 remains slightly higher than the total recorded for 2026.
