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Shigellosis

Shigellosis conditions, Symptoms and Treatment in London

Shigella infection, which is also known as shigellosis, is a highly contagious bacterial disease affecting your digestive system. Shigellosis is caused by shigella bacteria and might cause diarrhoea, stomach pain or fever in people with this infection. There are several types of shigella under the shigella bacteria genus.

Shigellosis can be transmitted from one individual to another when you consume contaminated water or food. Also, you may accidentally drink contaminated water while swimming. Shigella infection can also be referred to as bacillary dysentery(diarrhoea with mucus or blood).

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Who does shigellosis affect?

Anyone can be affected by shigella infection, but common occurrences are in crowded places such as daycare centres, schools, nursing homes or poorly sanitised areas. Children are at higher risk of infection because they frequently dip their hands in their mouths.

How common is this infection?

Shigella infection might be more common in regions with poor sanitation, but it remains a worldwide concern as there are over 160 million cases yearly and a million deaths.

What causes shigella infection?

The bacteria responsible for shigellosis is commonly found in the stool(poop) of infected people. You may get infected if you come in contact with an infected stool or materials contaminated by an infected person's stool or shigella bacteria. You may also get infected if you have sexual contact with someone infected or through ingesting or contaminated food and water. Shigella is particularly common in uncooked shellfish or vegetables but can also be found in other foods.

What are the symptoms of shigellosis?

If you have a shigella infection, you may show any of the following signs and symptoms, including:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea, which may have mucus, blood, or be watery
  • Fever
  • Stomach cramps and pain

Certain people infected with shigellosis are symptomatic (show no symptoms) but are capable of transmitting the infection.

How can I be diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing and provide a diagnosis based on these symptoms. However, carrying out a stool sample test might be able to detect the presence of shigella bacteria.

What are the treatments available for shigella?

Treatment for shigella infection depends on the severity of the disease.

Home self-care

If you notice mild to moderate symptoms, your healthcare provider will advise you to rest and drink a lot of fluids to avoid dehydration. If one of your symptoms is diarrhoea, you can take bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). Avoid taking medications like diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil) or loperamide (Imodium) because these medications slow down bowel activities and keep the shigella bacteria in your system.

Medical attention

If you have a weakened immune system or your case is severe, your medical practitioner might prescribe the use of antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe azithromycin or ciprofloxacin for severe cases. It is essential that you complete your antibiotics treatment course, even if you feel better midway through the treatment.

What are the side effects and complications of shigella infection?

Due to diarrhoea, you may get dehydrated, and this might be dangerous in babies and elderly people. You may notice some of these complications, including:

  • Seizures in children
  • Bloodstream infections
  • Post-infection arthritis, also known as reactive arthritis. If you have this, you might have painful urination, irritated eyes, and achy joints.
  • Haemolytic uremic syndrome – this is a condition affecting the blood vessels and can lead to anaemia.

How can I prevent shigellosis?

You can take a couple of steps to reduce your risk of shigella infection. Some of them include:

  • Avoid swallowing water in ponds, lakes or pools
  • Always wash food properly before you cook it
  • Throw away soiled diapers in a trash can with a lid
  • Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, especially after using the bathroom, before and after eating, before cooking food, after changing diapers, and after contact with an infected person.
  • Follow safe water and food instructions when you are abroad
  • Don't engage in sexual activities during the period that your partner is infected.

There are no known vaccines for shigella bacteria, but research is ongoing.

What is the outlook for this infection?

Most people who get infected with shigella get better within 4 to 7 days, but they remain infectious for weeks until they fully recover. People with severe shigellosis infection may be sick for 3 – 6 weeks. There are rare cases of complications with shigella infection.

When should I seek the help of a medical practitioner?

If you or someone you know experiences fever, bloody diarrhoea or stomach cramps, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. Also, if you have shigellosis and are experiencing dehydration, you should speak to your healthcare provider.

How can I care for myself during this infection?

It is vital to stay hydrated if you have shigella infection. Drinking water or other fluids with electrolytes can help significantly – you can also eat popsicles.

Frequently asked questions

People who eat raw or uncooked food are at higher risk of getting infected. Vegetables, fruits and salads may have been grown in soils contaminated with shigella, putting you at risk of infection. However, be mindful of where you eat, as contaminated food can get you infected.

Yes, you can be infected with shigellosis more than once.

Reach out to our medical professionals

If you have a shigella infection and are experiencing fever, diarrhoea or dehydration, contact us immediately at STI Clinic UK. There is a chance you have severe shigellosis, and our healthcare providers will provide a suitable treatment option so you can fully recover in no time. Call us today!