Shigellosis is an acute infection of the colon (large intestine) caused by the Shigella bacterium, which produces toxins that attack the lining of the colon and causes swelling, ulcers on the intestinal wall and bloody diarrhea.
The infection often causes only mild symptoms, but it is sometimes referred to as bacillary dysentery because it can lead to severe diarrhea. The infection occurs worldwide. Every year, about 14,000 cases are reported in the United States. Because milder cases are not diagnosed or reported, the actual number may be 20 times greater. In developing countries, shigellosis is far more common and present in most communities.
Shigella can be found in water polluted with infected sewage, and the bacterium commonly enters the body through a contaminated drinking supply or food rinsed with unclean water, grown in fields contaminated with sewage or touched by flies in contact with feces. Infection occurs when you accidentally swallow the Shigella bacterium. This can happen when touching your mouth or not washing your hands well. Direct person-to-person contact is the most common way the disease is spread. Infected people who handle food can transmit the bacterium to people who eat the food. Swallowing contaminated water can also place you at risk for acquiring shigellosis. Shigella can reach the mouth on fingers dirty from touching items soiled with feces, including diapers, toilets and bathroom fixtures.
Risk Factors, Symptoms of Shigellosis
Risk factors include being a toddler, living in group housing, participating in group activities, practicing anal sex, or living or traveling in areas that lack sanitation. Shigellosis infection is most common in children between the ages of 2 and 4 years. Outbreaks are more common in child care centers, nursing homes, jails and military barracks.
Signs and symptoms of shigellosis infection usually begin about one to seven days (average three days) after contact with the bacteria. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea (often containing blood or mucus), acute or sudden abdominal pain or cramps and acute sudden fever. Although some people have no symptoms after infection, their feces are still contagious.
Health care providers diagnose shigellosis through an assessment of the history of your illness, your signs and symptoms, and where you may have been traveling. A stool sample is sent to the laboratory for examination for white blood cells, and a stool culture is done. Blood is drawn to look for an elevated white blood cell count.
The goal of treatment is to replace fluids and electrolytes (salt and minerals) lost in diarrhea. Medications that stop diarrhea, such as Imodium, are generally not given because they may cause the infection to take longer to leave the individual. Measures to avoid dehydration include drinking electrolyte solutions to replace the fluids lost by diarrhea. Several varieties such as Pedialyte are available over the counter. The World Health Organization recommends a new prepackaged oral rehydration salts formula that can be shipped to underdeveloped countries; it can be poured into clean water and consumed to prevent dehydration.
Antibiotics can help shorten the length of illness and prevent it from spreading to others, and may also be prescribed for patients with severe symptoms. If you have diarrhea and cannot drink fluids by mouth due to severe nausea, you may need medical attention and intravenous fluids. This is especially common in small children. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be given to reduce fever. Persons taking diuretics may need to stop if they have acute shigellosis. Never stop taking these medications without first talking to your health care provider.
Contact your physician or seek urgent care if your condition does not improve, if you or your child has bloody diarrhea or diarrhea severe enough to cause weight loss and dehydration, and if you or your child has a fever of 101 degrees or higher. Go to the emergency room if you have confusion, headache with stiff neck, lethargy or seizures.
Possible complications include severe dehydration, arthritis, skin rashes and hemolytic-uremic syndrome, a form of kidney failure with anemia and clotting problems. About one in 10 children develops severe shigellosis and neurological problems including febrile seizures or brain disease (encephalopathy) with headache, lethargy, confusion and stiff neck.
The Centers for Disease Control monitor the frequency of Shigella infections in the country and assist local and state health departments in investigating outbreaks. The CDC are involved in research to better understand and treat shigellosis. There is no vaccine to prevent infection.
Prevent the spread of shigellosis
- Wash hands with soap carefully and frequently, especially after using the bathroom and changing diapers, and before preparing foods or beverages.
- Dispose of soiled diapers properly and disinfect changing areas after use.
- Keep children with diarrhea out of child care.
- Supervise hand washing of small children after they use the toilet.
- Do not prepare food for others while ill with diarrhea.
- Avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes or untreated pools.
- Avoid contaminated food and water. Store, handle and prepare food properly.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Read This Next
2013 Airline Of The Year And Hotel Of The Year
2013 / December 2013
Dec 5, 2013All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 28, 2023Buffalo AKG Art Museum Expansion by OMA, Shohei Shigematsu Revealed
A new and expanded campus at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum has been completed, reopening this summer and featuring new architecture designed by the architectural office of OMA New York, led by partner Shohei Shigematsu and project architects Lawrence Siu and Paxton Sheldahl, with Cooper Robertson (executive architect). The new expansion includes the Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building and extensive renovations to existing buildings. A $20-million commitment from New York State and Governor Kathy Hochul helped fulfill the expansion’s budget and completes the $230 million capital campaign, the largest campaign for a cultural institution in the history of Western New York State.
Sponsored Content
IHG® Hotels & Resorts Introduces Effortless WiFi Connection for Guests Worldwide
IHG Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce the launch of a new mobile product feature for members: IHG Wi-Fi Auto Connect. This feature is now available exclusively in the IHG One Rewards mobile app for both iOS and Android users and will automatically connect IHG One Rewards members to WiFi upon arrival at more than 5,000 IHG hotels worldwide — no separate passwords or log-ins needed. This is in addition to the exciting benefits of being an IHG Business Edge member. IHG Business Edge provides small- and medium-sized businesses access to a user-friendly portal that displays comprehensive spending and savings data while providing the convenience of direct booking with a guaranteed discount.
Daily
Sep 28, 20234 Reasons to Hit Up the Nobu Bar at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square This Autumn
Ever since opening in 2021, Nobu London Portman Square has served as the focal point for many gatherings, stays and experiences. This fall the hotel’s Nobu Bar adds four more reasons to visit with an exciting array of offerings, menus and events.
Daily
Sep 27, 2023On This Cruise, You’re Guaranteed to See the Northern Lights or Your Second One’s Free
There’s no doubt the northern lights are awe-inspiring and spectacular. Unfortunately, they’re also fickle and fleeting, and despite your best-laid plans of checking this item off your bucket list, sometimes Mother Nature’s luminescent show just doesn’t cooperate. But one cruise line has a new fail-safe in place.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
Daily
Sep 27, 2023Sail Away on Dream Yacht Worldwide’s Easy Crewed Expeditions
Think you need a degree in sailing to enjoy a yachting holiday? Dream Yacht Worldwide, a leader in yacht charters, wants you to relax and enjoy the journey. Newly expanded to include the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, Tahiti and the Seychelles, the "Easy Crewed” offered by Dream Yacht Worldwide also include charter options in Greece and Croatia.
Perelman Performing Arts Center Opens in New York
Daily
Sep 26, 20234 Sweet Spots for Vintage Clothing Lovers
Daily
Sep 26, 2023Viking Polaris Canadian Discovery Review
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 26, 2023eFlyer News
Sep 26, 2023Vicenza, Italy, Accuses Verona of Stealing Claim to Iconic Romeo and Juliet Location
In a dramatic plot twist that seems to have emerged from one of Shakespeare’s own plays, Vicenza, Italy, recently informally accused fair Verona, Italy, of stealing the claim to the famed Romeo and Juliet. For centuries, visitors have made the trip to Verona’s Juliet House to see the famous balcony.
Sponsored Content
Join the Global Movement: GBTA Drives Business Travel Through Community, Learning and Advocacy
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) believes business travel is a fundamental force for good and brings the industry together to connect, innovate and set new standards. With members from across the globe, GBTA engages the many voices of business travel to build a collective future, providing a platform for buyers and suppliers to come together, connect with peers, grow their network and shape the future of the industry.
Daily
Sep 26, 2023Explore the Beauty of North America by Rail in 2024
When making your travel plans for fall, winter or any season in 2024, don’t overlook the beauty and excitement travel by rail in North America offers. Vacations by Rail offers an unforgettable experience filled with history, culture and natural beauty. Here are some beautiful and culturally rich destinations in North America to consider:
ShareThis