What is shigellosis?

Shigellosis is an infection of the digestive system caused by Shigella bacteria. The bacteria are only found in humans. Anyone can be infected but children are particularly prone. The bacteria cannot survive for long
outside the human body.
Dysentery is caused by infection with one particular Shigella species (Shigella dysenteriae).

How do you get shigellosis?

Shigellosis infection occurs when Shigella bacteria are ingested, which most commonly occurs by person-toperson spread. People with shigellosis may have no symptoms but can still carry the infection in their faeces. They can pass the infection to others if they do not wash their hands properly after going to the toilet or changing the nappy of an infected infant. They can then contaminate objects that are touched by others or food or drink that is consumed by others.

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What are the signs and symptoms of shigellosis?

Symptoms occur between 1 - 7 days (usually 1 - 3 days) after exposure to Shigella and usually last for 4 - 7 days. Symptoms may include:

• diarrhoea (usually containing mucus and/or blood)
• nausea and vomiting
• fever
• stomach cramps

Severe infections are seen in the very young, the elderly and malnourished people

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How do I get treated?

• Drink plenty of fluids such as plain water or oral rehydration drinks (available from pharmacies).
• Antibiotics may be required to relieve symptoms and reduce the spread of shigellosis as a very low dose causes infection. Consult your GP or a doctor of your choice.
• Avoid anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhoeal medications unless prescribed or recommended by a doctor.

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What do I do if I have shigellosis?

• Do not go to work for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
• Do not handle or prepare food for the family or household for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
• Keep children home from school for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
• People in hospitals, nursing homes and other residential facilities should be nursed. in their own room, with a private bathroom for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped
• Additional precautions are required for people with dysentery (Shigella dysenteriae infection) who are at high risk of spreading their infection to others (e.g. food handlers, health and child care workers and those who are incontinent of faeces). For more information contact the Communicable Disease Control Directorate.
• Immediately remove and wash any clothes or bedding contaminated with vomit or diarrhoea using
  soap and hot water.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.

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How do I reduce the risks of getting shigellosis?

• Consult your GP or a doctor of your choice about protecting yourself against shigellosis and dysentery before travelling overseas.
• Wash hands with soap and water after changing nappies and before preparing or handling food or drinks. To wash your hands effectively, lather thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 seconds. Dry your hands with a clean single use towel (e.g. paper towel) and turn the tap off with the towel to avoid possible recontamination.
• If hand washing facilities are not available use an alcohol-based gel.

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Where can I find more information on shigellosis?

For further information contact your GP, a doctor of your choice or Health Direct (1800 022 222).