The Saskatchewan government is warning people about the Shigella bacteria which has caused at least 13 people to become ill in central Saskatchewan. 

Shigella is described as a digestive illness; a little worse than the Norwalk virus. 

Saskatchewan usually sees about a dozen cases a year, mostly related to travelling abroad. 

But Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Shaquib Shahab says in the last four months a year’s worth of cases has been reported. 

“We’ve seen three clusters, mostly in and around the Prince Albert area, so central Sasaktchewan – north of Saskatoon,” said Shahab.

Only one of those cases is related to travel, meaning the illness is being transmitted from person to person. 

Three of the 13 people were hospitalized but everyone has since recovered. 

People are reminded to wash their hands and to stay home if they demonstrate symptoms like severe stomach pains and diarrhea. 

Edited by News Talk Radio's Michael Aynsley.