Shigellosis

What is Shigellosis?

Any of the four main species of the pathogen Shigella. Most cases occur in regions with sub-standard hygiene and unsafe water supplies. A few cases of Shigellosis are reported in the US each year.

Typical Symptoms

• Fever
• Severe abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• In the most serious cases, seizures and death

Most at risk

• Young children
• Elderly
• Immunocompromised

How is it Spread?

• By contaminated food or water
• Person-to-person contact
• Harbored in human feces only
  • Examples
  • If an infected person does not wash his/her hands properly after using the toilet, they may pass along the bacteria by physical contact or by handling food
  • If contaminated water touches food at any stage (irrigation, washing, rinsing, etc.), food may also become contaminated