Shigellosis

What is Shigellosis

Shigellosis is an infection of the intestines. It can cause diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, and other symptoms. The infection usually lasts 5–7 days.

Most people with this infection make a full recovery. However, in rare cases, some people develop lasting problems, such as arthritis, irritation of the eyes, painful urination, or a kidney problem called hemolytic uremic syndrome.

What are the causes?

This infection is caused by Shigella bacteria. These bacteria can spread through a person’s stool. You can get this infection by:

  • Eating or drinking something that has the bacteria on it.
  • Touching something that has the bacteria on it and putting your hand in your mouth.
  • Swimming in water that has the bacteria in it.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this infection may start 1–3 days after the bacteria gets into your body. Symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea, commonly with blood or mucus.
  • Pain or cramps in the abdomen.
  • Fever.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Feeling like you need to have another bowel movement even after you just had one (tenesmus).

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

  • Your symptoms.
  • Your medical history.
  • A physical exam.
  • A stool test.

How is this treated?

This condition may be managed by:

  • Drinking plenty of fluids. This is important because this infection can make you dehydrated.
  • Taking antibiotic medicines. These may be used if your infection is severe. They may help shorten your illness and keep others from getting sick.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Do not take medicines to help with diarrhea. These medicines can make the infection worse.
  • If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

Eating and drinking

  • Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.
  • Drink only clear liquids until your diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting is under control. Clear liquids are liquids you can see through, such as water, broth, fruit juice that you have added water to (diluted fruit juice), low-calorie sports drinks, or non-caffeinated tea.
  • Take an oral rehydration solution (ORS) as told by your health care provider. This drink is sold at pharmacies and retail stores.
  • If you are not hungry, do not force yourself to eat.
  • Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods in small amounts as you are able. These foods include bananas, applesauce, rice, lean meats, toast, and crackers.
  • Avoid:
    • Fluids that contain a lot of sugar or caffeine, such as energy drinks, high-calorie sports drinks, and soda.
    • Alcohol.
    • Foods that are greasy or contain a lot of fat or sugar.
    • Spicy foods.
  • Do not prepare food for others if you have diarrhea.

General instructions

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. This helps keep the bacteria from spreading to others.
  • Keep track of changes in your weight. Losing a lot of weight can be a sign of a serious problem. Ask your health care provider how much weight loss should concern you.
  • Stay home from work or school as told by your health care provider.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if you:

  • Have a fever.
  • Have diarrhea that has more blood or mucus than before.
  • Feel weak or dizzy.
  • Feel very thirsty.
  • Have a headache.
  • Have urinated only a small amount of very dark urine over 6–8 hours.
  • Have weight loss.
  • Have redness, irritation, or pain in your eyes.
  • Have pain when urinating.
  • Have swelling or a feeling of warmth in a joint.

Get help right away if you:

  • Cannot keep fluids down.
  • Cannot stop vomiting or having diarrhea.
  • Have pain in the abdomen, and the pain gets worse.
  • Have any symptoms of severe dehydration. These include:
    • Not urinating in 6–8 hours.
    • Cold and clammy skin.
    • Extreme thirst.
    • Confusion.
    • Rapid breathing.
    • Difficulty waking from sleep.
  • Have vision changes or vision loss.
  • Have a seizure.

Summary

  • Shigellosis is an infection of the intestines that can cause diarrhea, often bloody, and abdominal pain. The infection usually lasts 5–7 days.
  • This infection is caused by Shigella bacteria. These bacteria can spread through a person’s stool.
  • Most people with this infection make a full recovery. However, in rare cases some people can develop lasting problems, such as arthritis, irritation of the eyes, painful urination, or a kidney problem.
  • People who have this condition need to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. People with a more severe case may need to take antibiotic medicines.
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