Outbreak of Shigella sonnei in a clinical microbiology laboratory

Laboratory technologists (22%) developed infections with Shigella sonnei, The isolates had the same antibiogram and pulse-held gel electrophoresis pattern as an unknown isolate handled by a laboratory student. Covering faucet handles with paper towels during hand washing in the laboratory was protective, No further cases occurred after the laboratory was cleaned with a phenolic agent and a handle-free faucet was installed.