The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning about an increase in a severe form of Shigella, an antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
In an alert sent last week, the CDC said it is monitoring an increase in XDR Shigella and “potentially serious public health concerns,” it presents. Shigella infections are common – accounting for about 450,000 cases in the U.S. each year – but it’s the drug-resistant strain of XDR that’s being closely watched. In 2022, roughly 5% of Shigella infections were caused XDR, compared to zero in 2015, the CDC said.
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Shigella infection causes inflammatory, bloody diarrhea along with fever and abdominal cramping. Symptoms usually begin 1–2 days after infection and last 7 days.
Shigella can be transmitted by fecal contact, such as changing the diaper of a sick infant, and then getting bacteria into your mouth. It can also be caused by sexual contact and via contaminated food or water. The alert noted increases in the most serious types of shigella infections among gay and bisexual men, the homeless, international travelers and people with HIV.
Most people with Shigella infections get better on their own while others need additional treatments, though the use of antimicrobial treatments are “limited,” the CDC said.
The agency said healthcare workers should be on the lookout for possible Shigella infections and educate patients on the risks. The best methods for prevention include washing hands with soap and water before preparing food and eating and after changing a diaper or coming into contact with feces.