School Cafeteria Shigella Outbreak Response Guide

Immediate Actions in the First 24 Hours

Contact your local health department immediately—do not wait for confirmation from multiple cases. Isolate suspected contaminated food products and cease their distribution. Implement enhanced hand hygiene protocols, including mandatory handwashing stations with soap and warm water before food preparation and service. Deep clean and sanitize all food contact surfaces, utensils, and high-touch areas like door handles and payment terminals using EPA-approved disinfectants. Review staff schedules to identify anyone who prepared or handled the affected products and exclude symptomatic employees from the kitchen until cleared by occupational health or local health department guidance.

Communication with Health Department & Documentation

Notify your local health department (or state FSIS representative if federal oversight applies) with details including dates of preparation, specific food items, number of affected individuals, and symptoms reported. Provide a complete food service record showing ingredients, suppliers, preparation methods, and serving dates for any suspected contaminated items. Document all actions taken, including cleaning logs, staff notifications, and product recalls. Maintain written records of any illnesses reported by students or staff, including symptom onset dates and descriptions. The health department will conduct an epidemiological investigation and may require your facility to retain samples or records for testing by CDC or state laboratories.

Staff Communication & Ongoing Prevention

Conduct immediate staff briefings on Shigella transmission, symptoms (diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps), and the critical importance of handwashing, especially after restroom use. Provide personal protective equipment (gloves, masks) if employees are symptomatic but essential. Work with your health department to determine when symptomatic staff can safely return to work—typically after 48 hours symptom-free and proper hygiene certification. Send clear, factual communications to parents and guardians explaining the situation, actions taken, and symptoms to monitor without causing unnecessary panic. Reinforce that Shigella is preventable through proper handwashing and food safety practices, and that the cafeteria is taking comprehensive measures to ensure student safety going forward.

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