Why it’s a Threat

This pathogen causes an estimated 400,000 cases of shigellosis per year in the United States. Most who are infected with Shigella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps starting a day or two after they are exposed to the bacterium. The diarrhea is often bloody. Shigellosis usually resolves in 5 to 7 days. In some persons, especially young children and the elderly, the diarrhea can be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. A severe infection with high fever may also be associated with seizures in children under 2 years old.

Description

Gram-negative bacteria, straight rods approximately 0.5 micron wide and 2 microns long, exists as a single organism; nonmotile.

Vehicles

Transmission occurs mainly from person to person.

Prevention

The spread of Shigella from an infected person to other persons can be stopped by frequent and careful handwashing with soap. Basic food safety precautions and regular drinking water treatment prevents shigellosis.

Remarks

Poor hygiene allows Shigella to pass easily from person to person, particularly in developing regions of the world. Outbreaks have been associated with products such as salads, sandwiches, and unclean water.

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