Shigellosis

FAQs

Data & Statistics

Reporting

Organism

Shigellosis is an illness caused by Shigella bacteria.

Transmission

By hand-to-mouth contact with stool (feces) from a sick person or animal, eating contaminated foods, or drinking contaminated water.

You are more likely to get shigellosis if you:

• are a child in day care.
• work in a day-care facility or with diapered children
• have contact with stool through sexual practices or caring for someone with shigellosis
• travel to a country where the food/water supply may be unsafe.

Symptoms

• diarrhea which may be bloody
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach cramps

Treatment & Prevention

Always wash your hands:

• after using the restroom
• after changing a baby's diaper or touching anything soiled with stool (feces)
• after cleaning the living areas of pets or livestock
• before serving or preparing food.

• avoid thawing foods on counters or in sinks and refrigerate leftovers right away
• avoid drinking water from ponds, lakes, rivers, or swimming pools
• when traveling to a country where the water supply may be unsafe, boil your water or bring bottled water. Ask for drinks without ice
• avoid sexual practices that bring you into contact with stool.

Recent Texas Trends

In a typical year, 2000-3000 cases of Shigellosis are reported in Texas. The majority of cases reported occur in school aged children.