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Shigellosis


About this topic


Shigellosis is an infection caused by a germ. It infects the belly and releases a toxin. This causes swelling and ulcers in the walls of the belly and bowels. Then, it causes stomach pain and loose stools. This common infection happens most often in the warmer months. ‚  


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What are the causes?


This infection is caused by the Shigella germ. They are often seen in the stool of people with the infection. People who have this illness and have not washed their hands the right way may have this germ on their hands. ‚  

What can make this more likely to happen?


This illness is easy to pass from one person to another. It often happens in young children and toddlers. Not washing your hands the right way can raise your chance of getting this infection. So can touching things that people with the infection have touched. You may become sick if you eat food or drink fluids with the germ in them. You are at a higher risk if you swim or play in water with the germ in it. This infection may also be spread by having anal sex and not using a condom. ‚  

What are the main signs?


  • Loose stools
  • Bloody stool
  • Belly pain
  • Throwing up
  • Fever
  • Weakness

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor may ask about your travel, the foods you eat, and where you go swimming. The doctor will feel your belly to check for swelling and to see if it hurts. Your doctor may order tests like: ‚  
  • Stool culture
  • Blood tests
  • X-ray
  • Ultrasound

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


Your doctor may treat this problem with: ‚  
  • Drugs
  • Extra fluids

What lifestyle changes are needed?


You may feel weak because you lose lots of fluid. Get plenty of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities. Ask your doctor about what activities are best for you. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Treat an infection
  • Lower fever
  • Ease pain
  • Replace body fluids

What changes to diet are needed?


  • Stay away from caffeine and foods that are greasy, high in fiber, or sweet.
  • Eat soft, bland foods like bananas, plain rice, boiled potatoes, toast, crackers, cooked carrots, and baked chicken without the skin or fat.
  • Eat small meals every few hours instead of 3 big meals.

What problems could happen?


  • Seizures
  • Very bad fluid loss
  • Infection
  • Problems with your bowels like bleeding or they stop working
  • Liver or kidney problems
  • Arthritis

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Be careful when swimming.
    • Avoid swallowing water while swimming, boating, or doing recreational water activities.
    • Protect others by not swimming when you or your child has loose stools. Do not swim for at least 2 weeks after loose stools stop.
    • Change diapers in a bathroom, not at poolside.
  • Be careful when eating.
    • Choose foods that are freshly cooked and served very hot.
    • Do not eat food from street vendors.
    • Do not eat raw vegetables or fruits. Be careful when eating salads as the produce may have been washed with tap water.
    • Eat fruits and vegetables that are peeled or cooked.
    • If you suspect that your drinking water may be contaminated, let it boil at more than 140 ‚ °F (60 ‚ °C) for at least 30 minutes.
    • Keep flies away from your food. Place screens on the windows and doors of your house.
  • Follow good hygiene habits.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs. This is especially important:
      • After using the bathroom or changing diapers
      • Before eating
      • Before cooking
      • After working in dirt
    • Keep sick children away from daycare. This will prevent spreading the infection to others.
    • Wear a condom when having anal sex.

Helpful tips


Avoid taking antidiarrheal drugs. They can make signs worse. Ask your doctor before taking any drugs. ‚  

Where can I learn more?


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://www.cdc.gov/shigella/index.html ‚  
KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/stomach/shigella.html ‚  
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ‚  
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/shigellosis/pages/shigellosis.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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