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.
Related Links
General
Information I Technical
Information |
