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Shigellosis
What is Shigellosis?
Shigellosis is a common bacterial infection caused by four major groups
of Shigella. These bacteria affect humans, primarily causing
intestinal tract infections. Annually there may be 200 to 800 cases in
Washington.
How does a person get shigellosis?
The bacteria are spread from person to person. A small number of
organisms (10 to 100 organisms) can cause infection. Shigella from
an infected individual’s stool is passed to other individuals, for
example when hands are not washed properly or during oral sex. Food and
water contaminated by an infected individual can also spread the disease.
Flies have contaminated uncovered foods from infected human feces.
Who gets shigellosis?
Anyone who is exposed to Shigella bacteria can get
shigellosis. Most severe cases are in children, the elderly and people
with a weakened immune system.
What are the symptoms of shigellosis?
Symptoms can include bloody and/or watery diarrhea, fevers, abdominal
cramping, nausea and occasionally vomiting. Some infected individuals may
be completely asymptomatic. The symptoms generally appear one to three
days after exposure. Complications include seizures, particularly for
children, and Reiters syndrome (joint pains, irritation of the eyes, and
painful urination) for genetically susceptible individuals.
When is an infected person contagious?
The infectious period can vary from onset of symptoms up to four weeks
or longer. Asymptomatic carriers can transmit the disease for months.
Infected food handlers, health care workers, and individuals associated
with daycare must obtain the approval of their local health department
before returning to work or daycare.
What is the treatment for shigellosis?
Mild cases usually resolve without antibiotics. Antibiotics are useful
to help shorten the length of time the individual is shedding the
organisms. Antidiarrheal medications can make the illness worse and should
not be used.
How can we prevent shigellosis?
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after handling
foods, after using the bathroom, or after changing a baby’s diaper.
- Make sure children wash their hands properly.
- If a child in diapers has shigellosis, dispose of the diaper in a
closed-lid garbage can and disinfect the diaper changing area. The adult
and child should wash hands with soap and warm water immediately after
changing the diaper.
- Never prepare food for other people if you have diarrhea including
shigellosis.
- Do not swim in pools or lakes if you have diarrhea.
Where can I get more information?
Call Communicable Disease Epidemiology (206) 418-5500 or tollfree (877)
539-4344 or the food program (360) 236-3330.
Documents posted in .pdf version on the Department of Health Web site
will be made available in an alternative format on request to users who
are unable to download or view .pdf files on the Web.
To request an alternative
format, contact: Webmaster.
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