Shigellosis
What is shigellosis?
Shigellosis is a bacterial infection affecting the intestinal tract.
It is a fairly common disease; 600-800 cases occur in New York State each
year. Most cases are seen in the summer and early fall and occur as single
cases or outbreaks.
Who gets shigellosis?
Anyone can get shigellosis but it is recognized more often in young
children. Those who may be at greater risk include children in day care
centers, foreign travelers to certain countries, institutionalized people
and active homosexuals.
How is the shigella germ spread?
Shigella germs are found in the intestinal tract of infected people
who in turn may contaminate food or water. The shigella germ is spread
by eating or drinking contaminated food or water or by direct contact
with an infected person.
What are the symptoms?
People exposed to the shigella germ may experience mild or severe diarrhea,
often with fever and traces of blood or mucous in the stool. Some infected
people may not show any symptoms.
How soon do symptoms appear?
The symptoms may appear one to seven days after exposure but usually
within two to three days.
When and for how long is a person able to spread shigellosis?
Most people pass shigella in their feces (stool) for one to two weeks.
Certain antibiotics may shorten the carrier phase.
Should infected people be isolated or excluded from school or work?
Since the germ is passed in the feces of an infected person, people
with active diarrhea or those who are unable to control their bowel habits
should be isolated. Most infected people may return to work or school
when their diarrhea ceases, provided that they carefully wash their hands
after toilet visits. Food handlers, children in day care and health care
workers must obtain the approval of the local or state health department
before returning to their routine activities.
How is shigellosis treated?
Most people with shigellosis will recover on their own. Some may require
fluids to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics are occasionally used to treat
severe cases or to shorten the carrier phase which may be important for
food handlers, children in day care or institutionalized individuals.
What can be done to prevent the spread of shigellosis?
Since germs are passed in feces, the single most important prevention
activity is careful handwashing after using the toilet.
Source: NY State Department of Health
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