You've Got What? Shigella infection
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This is a type of gastroenteritis (also known as ‘gastro’) caused by Shigella bacteria.
Shigella infection is a notifiable condition1
Spread takes place when hands, objects or food become contaminated with faeces of people who are infected and the bacteria are taken in by mouth. Transmission of Shigella can also occur with certain types of sexual activity where faecal matter is present. Only small numbers of Shigella bacteria are sufficient to cause an infection, so stringent control measures are required.
The only significant source of infection is other people, as Shigella does not infect animals and does not survive very long outside of the human body. However, flies can carry the bacteria on their legs and contaminate uncovered food. Infections can occur when people ingest food or water freshly contaminated with faeces.
Symptoms may include:
Mild infections or infections without symptoms may occur. The most severe infections occur in the very young, the elderly and malnourished people.
The infection is diagnosed by growth of Shigella from a faecal sample or by detecting Shigella in a faecal specimen using a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test in a pathology laboratory.
(time between becoming infected and developing symptoms)
1 to 7 days, usually 1 to 3 days.
(time during which an infected person can infect others)
While symptoms are present and until Shigella are no longer present in the faeces (usually within 4 weeks after illness). Rarely, people without symptoms can shed Shigella in their faeces for many months. After appropriate antibiotics, Shigella stop being shed in the faeces within a few days.
Specific antibiotic therapy is available and will reduce the duration and severity of symptoms and the spread of infection. Gastroenteritis is a common illness which can be particularly serious in young children.
The following are general recommendations for the treatment of gastroenteritis:
Seek medical advice if any of the following symptoms occur.
Shigella infection can be prevented by keeping areas clean, washing your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet, changing nappies, before cooking and always before eating. Watch the video below to find out how to wash your hands.
1 – In South Australia the law requires doctors and laboratories to report some infections or diseases to SA Health. These infections or diseases are commonly referred to as 'notifiable conditions'.