Shigellosis

Shigella infection (shigellosis) is an intestinal infection caused by a family of bacteria known as shigella. The main sign of shigella infection is diarrhea, which often is bloody. Shigella is very contagious. People get infected with shigella when they come in contact with and swallow small amounts of bacteria from the stool of a person who is infected with shigella. Shigella bacteria can also be passed in infected food or by drinking or swimming in unsafe water. Children under age 5 are most likely to get shigella infection, but it can occur at any age. A mild case usually clears up on its own within a week. When treatment is needed, doctors generally prescribe antibiotics.
Stay hydrated with oral rehydration solutions, and avoid spreading the infection by practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing.
Symptoms

Diarrhea

  • Watery

  • Bloody

  • Mucus

common

Abdominal pain

  • In the bottom left region, Nonspecific, non-focal

  • Severe

  • Gradually increases

  • Crampy

common

Fatigue

common

Tenesmus

common

Baby not feeling hungry

or Poor appetite

common

Fever

  • Greater than or equal to 38°C (100.4°F), Less than 38°C (100.4°F)

common

Feel like vomiting

or Throwing up

common

Abdominal bloating

A sudden and temporary alteration of muscle tone, movements or behavior

  • Lasting 15 minutes or more, Lasting less than 15 minutes

  • More than a single episode in a 24 hours, Single episode in 24 hours

  • Focal, Generalized

Sore abdomen

  • Middle lower region of abdomen

Risk factors

Travel from or to an endemic area of acute bacterial gastroenteritis

or Consumption of contaminated food or water

or Attending day care centers

or Contact with sick person of gastroenteritis

Treatment
People with Shigella infection should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. People with bloody diarrhea should not use anti-diarrheal medicines, such as loperamide (Imodium) or diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil). These medicines may make symptoms worse. Antibiotics can shorten the time you have fever and diarrhea by about 2 days. Ciprofloxacin and azithromycin are two recommended oral antibiotics. If your healthcare provider prescribes an antibiotic, take it exactly as directed and finish taking all the pills even if you feel better.
Recommended specialist

If you have Shigellosis, then a visit to a gastroenterologist is highly recommended.

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Gastroenterologist

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