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Shigella – Shigellosis

Shigella – Shigellosis

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Men who have sex with men

Did you know
the diarrhea
germ Shigella
can be spread
through sex?

Learn more

Shigella bacteria cause an infection called shigellosis. Shigella can spread easily from one person to another—and it only takes a small amount of Shigella to cause illness. Learn how Shigella spreads and why some people have a greater chance of getting sick.

General Information
Drug-resistant Shigella

Find answers to frequently asked questions about Shigella.

Symptoms
woman doubled over holding her stomach in pain

Shigellosis can have mild to severe symptoms.

Prevention
rubbing soap-sudsed hands together

Find out steps you can take to avoid getting sick.

Information for Specific Groups
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Learn about people at higher risk for infection and more information.

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Last Reviewed: February 24, 2023
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED)
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