What You Should Know About Drug-Resistant Shigella
Drug-resistant Shigella infections are increasing in the United States, making awareness and prevention more important than ever. Understanding the symptoms of Shigella, how it spreads, and who may be at higher risk can help protect both you and your community.
Shigella is a bacteria that causes an intestinal infection known as shigellosis. Common symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever. Because the infection spreads easily from person to person, even a very small amount of Shigella bacteria can make someone sick.
Health officials are especially concerned about drug-resistant Shigella, also known as extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella, because these infections can be more difficult to treat with standard antibiotics.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), XDR Shigella increased from 0% of tested Shigella samples between 2011 and 2015 to 8.5% in 2023.
What Are the Symptoms of Drug-Resistant Shigella?
Symptoms of Shigella infection usually begin one to two days after exposure. They may include:
- Diarrhea, which may be bloody or last several days
- Stomach pain or cramping
- Fever
- A persistent feeling of needing to have a bowel movement, even when the bowels are empty
Most people recover without antibiotics. However, some infections can become severe, and drug-resistant Shigella may require specialized treatment.
Who Is Higher Risk for Shigella Infection?
Anyone can become infected with Shigella. However, certain groups may have a higher risk of exposure or complications, including:
- Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men
- People living with HIV
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
- International travelers
- People experiencing homelessness
How Does Shigella Spread?
Shigella spreads when tiny amounts of infected stool enter another person’s mouth. This can happen through:
- Contaminated hands
- Contaminated food or water
- Sexual activity involving the anus
- Contact with the genital or anal area of an infected person
Because Shigella spreads easily, good hygiene and preventive measures are essential.
How to Prevent Drug-Resistant Shigella
You can reduce your risk of getting or spreading drug-resistant Shigella by taking the following precautions:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.
- Avoid preparing food for others if you have diarrhea.
- Do not swim while you are sick.
- Avoid sexual activity if you or your partner has diarrhea.
- Wait at least two weeks after diarrhea has stopped before resuming sexual activity.
- Wash your hands, genitals, and anal area before and after sex.
- Use barriers such as condoms and dental dams to reduce exposure.
Even after symptoms improve, Shigella can remain in the stool for a period of time. Therefore, continuing these precautions can help prevent spreading infections to others.
When Should You See a Healthcare Provider?
Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Diarrhea lasting longer than three days
- Severe stomach pain
- Fever
- Symptoms that do not improve
Seeking medical care is especially important if you are living with HIV, have a weakened immune system, or believe you may have been exposed to Shigella.
A healthcare provider may recommend a stool test to determine the cause of your symptoms. If Shigella is detected, additional testing can identify whether the bacteria are resistant to antibiotics and help guide treatment options.
Care Resource Is Here to Help
Care Resource provides comprehensive healthcare services throughout South Florida, including:
- Primary care
- HIV care and prevention
- Sexual health services
- Preventive healthcare
If you are experiencing symptoms of Shigella infection or have concerns about possible exposure, contact Care Resource at 305-576-1234 to schedule an appointment or speak with a member of our healthcare team.
