Shigellosis is a stomach infection that is caused by the Shigella bacteria. Shigella bacteria is found in the feces of an infected person and is spread through direct contact of the feces. Infection can happen after eating food or drinking liquids that is infected with the bacteria, through having sex with an infected person or through touching a contaminated surface.
Recently, labs in Toronto have detected Shigella bacteria that are no longer killed by antibiotics that used to work against them. Men who have sex with men are particularly at risk for infections with Shigella that is resistant to many different types of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance means that the germs no longer respond to medicine, making it harder to treat the infection.
Shigella bacteria spreads through cross contamination of the feces of a person who has the Shigella bacteria. You can get infected by swallowing the Shigella bacteria. Some ways Shigella can get into your mouth are:
Symptoms usually start around one to three days after being exposed, but can start anywhere from 12 hours to seven days after exposure.
Symptoms include:
Symptoms generally last four to seven days.
Anyone can get Shigellosis but young children, people travelling to countries that do not have treated tap water or adequate sanitation, and men who have sex with men are at higher risk of infection.
People with weakened immune systems can get a more serious illness. A severe Shigella infection can spread into the blood, which can be life-threatening.
If you think you have Shigellosis, it is important to:
Your doctor will test you for shigellosis if they think you have the bacteria.
Shigellosis is diagnosed with laboratory tests of the stool.
Most people with Shigellosis, including those infected with antimicrobial-resistant Shigella, recover on their own by drinking lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and getting plenty of rest. Antibacterial medication may be prescribed in severe cases.
Recently, labs in Toronto have detected Shigella bacteria that are no longer killed by antibiotics that used to work against them. Men who have sex with men are particularly at risk for infections with Shigella that is resistant to many different types of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance means that the germs no longer respond to medicine, making it harder to treat the infection. Doctors need to consult with the lab to ensure they treat someone with serious Shigellosis with the right antibiotics.
Call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 (TTY at 416-392-0658) or speak to your health care provider.