Kansas City seeing an outbreak of diarrhea-causing disease

There has been an increase in the Kansas City area in cases of Shigella -- a highly infectious disease that causes diarrhea.

The bacteria attacks the intestines, specifically in children, according to KSHB.

The Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department said in a statement there are usually only 10 cases of the disease in a single year in the city. Since the beginning of 2015, the department has investigated more than 140 cases.

Symptoms of Shigella, according to the CDC, are diarrhea that's sometimes bloody, fever, abdominal pain and feeling like you have to go to the bathroom, even when you're not able to.

The disease is spread by "direct or indirect fecal-oral contact with a person having symptoms," according to the Health Department. Gross.

The Department also said most of the cases have been found in children who are in day care or elementary school.

Reducing your chances of getting Shigella is simple: Practice good handwashing. For those infected, take caution not to handle other people's food or drink.

Related: The most infectious contagious diseases:

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