Story highlights Cases of infectious disease soar in Kansas City, Missouri

Health officials concerned about variety of resistant strains

(CNN) Kansas City, Missouri, health officials are urging residents to take preventative measures after a big spike in cases of an infectious diarrheal disease.

Normally, there are about 10 Shigellosis cases a year in Kansas City, according to the city's health department. So far in 2015, more than 150 cases have been reported, mostly among children in day care and elementary schools.

Shigellosis is caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella.

There were 16 cases between January 1 and July 1. Since July, more than 134 additional cases have been reported.

Reasons for the spike are unclear, a spokesman for the Kansas City, Missouri Health Department said.

Read More