Symptoms of Shigella - Photo of Shigella under a microscope by CDC |
Approximately 14,000 people in the United States develop a reported case of Shigellosis. Actual numbers are likely much higher because many cases go unreported. The health department will seek to determine the source of a Shigella outbreak in order to help prevent the spread of this germ to more people in the area.
Shigella Symptoms and Treatment - Photo by Grosser Schlumpf |
Shigellosis often begins with sudden (acute) symptoms including:
- Stomach (abdominal) cramps or pain
- Fever
- Diarrhea that may contain mucous, blood, and/or pus
- Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
- Vomiting
- Rectal pain
People who become dehydrated due to this food-borne illness should seek medical assistance because they may need to receive electrolyes and fluids through a vein. Those who are experiencing bloody diarrhea should also seek medical advice.
Immediate emergency medical attention should be sought if the person develops serious symptoms such as:
- Confusion and/or lethargy
- Headache with a stiff neck
- Seizures
How Shigella is Spread - Photo by Paul Nasca |
Shigella can easily spread to large numbers of people in a short period of time. Small amounts of the bacteria can cause symptoms. A person may have Shigella bacteria in his or her body for one to seven days, averaging three days, before symptoms appear. Some people may be infected without symptoms but can spread the infection to others. Shigella bacteria exit the body through an infected person's stools or bowel movements. A person can still be contagious for up to two weeks after symptoms resolve.
The infection may be spread by direct contact. For example, if someone with contaminated hands touches someone else's hands, the bacteria may be transferred to the second person's hands. If the second person touches his mouth or food, the bacteria can easily be transferred into the second person's body. This type of spread is particularly common in daycare settings or areas where young children may play together.
People who provide assistance with elimination may also spread Shigella. If the caregiver's hands become contaminated and the caregiver fails to wash his or her hands with soap and water before providing care to the next person, the caregiver and next person(s) receiving hands-on care are at risk for developing the infection.
Shigella bacteria may also be spread through contaminated food. The food typically looks and smells normal. Some of the most common food sources include those that are raw and tend to be handled with hands, such as:
- salads
- sandwiches
- raw vegetables (particularly if harvested in a field containing sewage)
How to Prevent Shigella Infection - Photo by jdurham |
Although shigellosis is quite contagious, several preventive measures can help prevent its spread including:
- Proper hand washing with soap and water
- Proper food preparation and storage
- Proper disposal of diapers
- Proper cleaning of surfaces such as diaper changing areas
- Children who have diarrhea should not be in child care settings
- Avoid preparing food for others when experiencing diarrhea
- Avoid contaminated food and water
- Drink only treated or boiled water
- When traveling to developing countries, eat only cooked hot foods or fruits you peel for yourself
Readers may also wish to read:
- Norovirus or Food Poisoning or Stomach Flu Causing Gastroenteritis?
- Katrena's Good Hygiene Scavenger Hunt
- How to Keep From Getting MRSA in the Gym: Staph Infection Prevention
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention article Shigellosis accessed on 11/8/13.
- FoodSafety.net article Shigella accessed on 11/8/13.
- National Institutes of Health article Shigellosis accessed on 11/8/13.
- Nemours KidsHealth article Shigella Infection accessed on 11/8/13.
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