shigella: how to stay safe

SHIGELLAHow to Stay Safe

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INTRODUCTION•Shigella is a particularly nasty stomach bug •The trouble these days is that there are so many food-borne illnesses going around that it can be tough to figure out which one you are suffering from in order to get the correct treatment as quickly as possible•As with all stomach bugs, children and seniors are most at risk.


1-What is Shigella•Shigellosis is an infectious diarrheal disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. According to recent estimates, Shigella bacteria cause about 500,000 cases of illness in the United States annually. •There are several strains of the virus•Shigella dysenteriae type 1 can cause deadly epidemics of dysentery, that is, watery and sometimes bloody diarrhea.•This can lead to dehydration and death, especially amongst those who are most at risk, such as children under 5 and the elderly


2-SPREAD OF THE INFECTION•Shigella is spread through person to person contact and through contact with contaminated objects. •Shigella germs are present in the feces of infected persons while they have diarrhea, and for up to 2 weeks after the diarrhea has gone away.

Shigella, like Norovirus, is VERY contagious. Exposure to even a tiny amount of contaminated fecal matter much too small to see can pass on the infection to any person•It usually comes from a contaminated item or finger which have become contaminated are put into the person’s mouth. It can also happen if they swallow anything that has come into contact with stool of a person infected with Shigella, such as food.


3-SYMPTOMS• Symptoms of shigellosis typically start 1–2 days after exposure and include:

• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)• Fever• Abdominal pain and cramping• Tenesmus, a painful sensation of needing to move your bowels even when they are already empty

•In persons with healthy immune systems, symptoms usually last about 5 to 7 days, but you can suffer for up to 2 weeks and you can be contagious for that period of time as well.

• Persons with diarrhea usually recover completely, although it may be several months before their bowel habits are entirely normal again.


4-DIAGNOSIS•As we have said, many different kinds of germs and parasites can cause diarrhea, so establishing the exact cause of the illness can help patients get the correct treatment in a timely manner. •Patients who think they might be suffering from Shigella should try to trace back any food or drink they have consumed which might be contaminated.• Healthcare providers can order laboratory tests to identify Shigella in the stools of an infected person. The laboratory can also do special tests to determine which antibiotics, if any, would be best to treat the infection.•The biggest concern with Shigella is that it has proven remarkably resistant to a range of antibiotics


5-TREATMENT•Diarrhea caused by Shigella usually resolves without antibiotic treatment in 5 to 7 days. •People with mild shigellosis may need only fluids and rest. Bismuth subsalicylate (e.g., Pepto-Bismol®) may be helpful, but medications that cause the gut to slow down, such as loperamide (e.g., Imodium®) or diphenoxylate with atropine (e.g., Lomotil®), should be avoided


6-PREVENTION•Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent shigellosis. However, you

can reduce your risk of getting shigellosis by:•Carefully washing your hands with soap during key times: •Before eating.•When dealing with laundry or the bathroom after a bout of diarrhea•After changing a diaper or helping to clean another person who

has defecated (pooped or had diarrhea).•Avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes, or untreated swimming

pools. •When traveling internationally, follow food and water precautions

strictly and wash hands with soap frequently. If no soap and water are available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers such as Purell. Rub on your hands and allow to air-dry.


7-MANAGING RISK•You can contract Shigella infection no matter what your age and health status.• However, a number of groups are most at risk of being infected by Shigella. People at highest risk of infection from Shigella infection include:•Young children•Seniors•Overseas travelers•Those with compromised immune systems


8-INFECTIONS IN SOCIAL SETTINGS•Shigella can spread easily in:•Childcare settings•Senior settings•Hospital settings•It is highly contagious•Handwashing is essential to protect against the spread of Shigella and other food-borne illnesses


9-ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT SHIGELLA ISSUES•Resistance to traditional first-line drugs such as ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole has become increasingly common in the past decade•This has lead to an increase in the number of Shigella cases and a desperate quest for other effective ways to fight this infection.


10-POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSThere are a number of possible complications:•Post-infectious arthritis•Blood stream infections. •Seizures•Hemolytic-uremic syndrome or HUS- a side effect of bloody diarrhea


CONCLUSION•Knowing what shigella is, the symptoms, causes, and how it spreads, can help you and your family stay safe •It can also stop you from spreading it to your whole family, or anyone vulnerable to illness•Shigella can be avoided if you do all you can to prevent it-education and care are key.


FURTHER READING•To learn more, visit:•http://eternalspiralbooks.com/shigella-how-to-stay-safe/

http://eternalspiralbooks.com/shigella-how-to-stay-safe/



shigella: how to stay safe

Health & Medicine