A psychedelic arts competition in Victoria, Australia, was rocked this week by an outbreak of shigellosis, a contagious bacterial illness unfold via fecal-oral contact.The Victoria Division of Well being issued the alert on Wednesday, someday after the competition concluded, and at the very least 120 festival-goers have reported signs corresponding to extreme diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdomen cramps.The illness, a results of an infection by the antimicrobial-resistant shigella micro organism, is especially handed when one particular person’s mouth comes into contact with the contaminated feces of one other particular person. But it surely can be unfold via intercourse.In accordance with the CDC, “Shigella germs go from the poop (stool) or unclean fingers of 1 particular person to the mouth of one other particular person.” This consists of direct sexual contact and oblique sexual contact corresponding to dealing with contaminated intercourse toys.Ben Cowie, Victoria’s chief well being officer, suggested those that attended the competition to scrub their arms often and observe good hygiene. It additionally recommended abstinence for many who have been contaminated.“Individuals who have been recognized with Shigella gastroenteritis ought to abstain from intercourse whereas symptomatic and for 2 weeks after signs utterly resolve. For an additional week use barrier safety (corresponding to condoms and dams) throughout intercourse. Bathe and wash arms earlier than and after intercourse,” Cowie stated.Cowie additionally suggested attendees to get a stool pattern examined to find out in the event that they had been contaminated. “Signs normally develop one to 3 days following publicity however can happen as early as 12 hours to as late as one week afterwards in some circumstances,” he stated.Victoria’s Esoteric Competition ran for 5 days between March 8 and 12. It markets itself as a small and unique arts competition with a strict capability limitation, in response to its web site.“At Esoteric we consider small & intimate is the brand new large because it brings the vitality & vibes like none different,” its web site reads.