The term shigella is actually the name for a group of bacteria that cause an infection known as shigellosis. There are four types of shigella. The most common one in the U.S. is Shigella sonnei or “group D” shigella, followed by Shigella flexneri or “group B” shigella. The other two types—Shigella boydii and Shigella dysentariae—are widespread in developing countries but rare in the U.S.
Shigella bacteria cause about half a million cases each year among Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most of these get better on their own, but the organisms can sometimes cause more serious health problems.
Shigella symptoms
The main symptom of shigella is diarrhea—and often diarrhea that is more severe than that from other stomach bugs.
“[The diarrhea] can often be bloody and can be accompanied by fever and abdominal cramping,” Kara Gross Margolis, MD, a spokesperson for the American Gastroenterological Association, tells Health.
Shigella causes
Shigella is passed through contaminated feces (and poop may be contagious even if a person doesn't show symptoms).
“Bacteria can spread from an infected person to water, directly to another person, or in various types of food,” says Dr. Margolis, who is also an associate professor of pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.
Shigella prevention
Because shigella is transmitted by accidentally ingesting contaminated poop, preventing shigella is all about the tried-and-true: washing your hands. “Rigorous hygiene is of the utmost importance,” says Dr. Margolis. “It is very contagious for up to one to two weeks, even after the diarrhea has resolved.”
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