Tag

Shigella

All articles tagged with #shigella

CDC Warning: Drug-Resistant Shigella Poses New Public Health Threat
health1 month ago

CDC Warning: Drug-Resistant Shigella Poses New Public Health Threat

The CDC warns about XDR shigella, a drug-resistant Shigella strain causing shigellosis in the US, with infections up 8.5% from 2011 to 2023 and about 450,000 cases annually; the strain is resistant to most common antibiotics, leaving few oral treatments and sometimes requiring hospitalization for IV antibiotics; antimicrobial-resistant infections cost roughly $93 million in direct medical costs. Transmission is fecal-oral, via contaminated food/water and, increasingly, sexual activity; prevention centers on handwashing, safe food and water, and abstaining from sex during/after illness. Most infections resolve in 5–7 days, but young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals remain higher risk.

U.S. Faces Growing Threat from Drug-Resistant Shigella, CDC Warns
health1 month ago

U.S. Faces Growing Threat from Drug-Resistant Shigella, CDC Warns

CDC warns of a rise in extensively drug-resistant Shigella infections in the United States—from 0% resistance in 2011 to 8.5% in 2023—with about a third of patients hospitalized; Shigella spreads easily via contaminated water, food, surfaces, or person-to-person contact and causes shigellosis with diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and stomach pain 1–2 days after exposure, lasting about a week. Most mild cases improve with fluids and rest, but serious cases may require antibiotics, though there is not an approved treatment for shigellosis in the U.S. Populations at higher risk include children under 5, travelers, men who have sex with men, and people experiencing homelessness.

CDC warns rising drug-resistant Shigella strains threaten US public health
health1 month ago

CDC warns rising drug-resistant Shigella strains threaten US public health

The CDC warns that a new extensively drug‑resistant Shigella strain is spreading in the US, behind about 8.5% of Shigella infections in 2023 and continuing to rise. Hospitalization occurs in roughly a third of cases, though no deaths have been reported yet. Overall, drug‑resistant infections are a major US burden, with about 2.8 million cases and about 35,000 deaths annually, fueled by widespread antibiotic use in humans and animals and the spread of resistant strains.

Drug-Resistant Shigella Infections Rise, CDC Warns
health1 month ago

Drug-Resistant Shigella Infections Rise, CDC Warns

A CDC analysis using PulseNet data finds that extensively drug-resistant Shigella infections are increasing in the U.S.—8.5% of samples in 2023—with most cases locally acquired (two-thirds caused by Shigella sonnei). About a third of cases with known info were hospitalized; there is currently no oral antibiotic approved to treat XDR Shigella, underscoring the need for new treatments, stronger surveillance, and lab-guided therapy to curb outbreaks and protect high-risk groups.

Broome County Sees Uptick in Shigellosis Infections, Public Health Warns
health3 months ago

Broome County Sees Uptick in Shigellosis Infections, Public Health Warns

Broome County’s health department reports a rise in shigellosis, a bacterial stomach illness caused by Shigella, with about 22 cases since August 2025—well above the typical six per year—prompting prevention guidance (handwashing, careful diaper changes, avoiding swallowing pool water, safe food/water practices when traveling, and avoiding sexual contact for at least two weeks after diarrhea ends). Symptoms typically appear 1–2 days after infection and last up to seven days.

Shigella Outbreak Reported at Fratney Elementary
health1 year ago

Shigella Outbreak Reported at Fratney Elementary

A case of shigellosis, a bacterial infection, has been reported at La Escuela Fratney Elementary School in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Public Schools and the City of Milwaukee Health Department are collaborating to manage the situation, ensuring students and staff follow hygiene protocols to prevent further spread. Families have been informed, and the school is implementing enhanced cleaning measures. Shigellosis is contagious and can spread through contaminated food, water, or contact with fecal material, with symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain.

Investigation Launched into Surge of Shigella Cases in Shasta County
health2 years ago

Investigation Launched into Surge of Shigella Cases in Shasta County

Shasta County is investigating a surge in Shigella cases, with 14 reported in the past few months, compared to the usual one or two per year. Health officials advise frequent handwashing, avoiding swallowing water from natural sources, and being vigilant for symptoms like prolonged diarrhea and fever. While the cause of the increase is under investigation, it's important to take preventive measures to curb the spread of the infection.

"Outbreak Alert: Stomach Bug Hospitalizes Dozens, Health Officials Issue Warning"
health2 years ago

"Outbreak Alert: Stomach Bug Hospitalizes Dozens, Health Officials Issue Warning"

Health officials in Shasta County, California, have issued a warning about a Shigella bacterial infection that has sickened more than a dozen people, leading to hospitalizations. The infection, which causes symptoms such as prolonged diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain, can spread easily through various means including contaminated surfaces, food, and water. Groups at high risk include young children, travelers to areas with poor sanitation, men who have sex with men, and individuals with weakened immune systems. To reduce the risk of infection, thorough handwashing, safe food and water practices, and avoiding sexual activity during and after infection are recommended.

Rising Cases of Antibiotic-Resistant Shigella in Philadelphia
health2 years ago

Rising Cases of Antibiotic-Resistant Shigella in Philadelphia

Shigella, a hard-to-treat bacterial infection, is increasing among Philadelphia's homeless and opioid-using populations, with 80 cases reported in October and November 2023. The germ causes severe symptoms and can be transmitted through fecal matter, posing a higher risk to those without access to clean facilities. Some strains are resistant to antibiotics, making treatment challenging, and health officials advise handwashing and safe sex practices to prevent its spread.

"Scientists Find Potential 'Off Switch' for Bacterial Infections, Offering New Treatment Hope"
health2 years ago

"Scientists Find Potential 'Off Switch' for Bacterial Infections, Offering New Treatment Hope"

Scientists at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas have discovered a potential "off switch" for bacterial infections by tweaking a specific protein in the DNA of harmful bacteria. By interfering with the expression of this protein, known as VirB, the bacteria can be disabled, preventing it from causing illness. The researchers believe that this breakthrough could have broader applications in treating other clinically relevant bacteria. Shigella, a leading cause of severe diarrhea and death worldwide, was used as the primary focus of the study. However, the findings could pave the way for the development of preventive measures against various harmful bacteria.

Outbreak at L.A. Conference: 32 Sickened by Bacterial Infection
health2 years ago

Outbreak at L.A. Conference: 32 Sickened by Bacterial Infection

More than two dozen attendees at a union conference held at the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles fell ill with Shigella, a common intestinal illness. The outbreak affected 32 of the over 300 conference attendees, with some requiring hospitalization. One attendee has filed a lawsuit against the hotel. Shigella is easily transmitted through fecal matter and is most common among young children. The CDC advises those with symptoms to drink fluids and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.

Understanding Shigella: The Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria.
health3 years ago

Understanding Shigella: The Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned about an increase in cases of the drug-resistant bacterial infection Shigella, which causes diarrhea and can spread easily. Antibiotic treatments for shigellosis have become less effective, with 5% of cases now resistant to antibiotics. Children under 5 are most at risk, and outbreaks often occur in schools and early care settings. Most people recover without treatment, but severe cases may require antibiotics. To prevent antimicrobial resistance, the CDC recommends using antibiotics only when needed and exactly as prescribed.

Distinguishing Between Norovirus and Shigella Stomach Flus Outbreaks
health3 years ago

Distinguishing Between Norovirus and Shigella Stomach Flus Outbreaks

Cases of norovirus and shigella bacterial infections are on the rise, causing similar symptoms such as diarrhea and stomach cramps. Norovirus tends to start with vomiting and then progress to diarrhea, while shigella tends to be more diarrhea and less vomiting, with watery or bloody diarrhea. Norovirus cases normally clear up within three days, but shigella tends to last for four to seven days. Shigella is caused by a bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics, while there is no similar treatment for norovirus. Antibiotic-resistant strains of shigella are becoming more common, posing a serious public health threat.

"Shigella: A Growing Concern for Parents of Young Children"
health3 years ago

"Shigella: A Growing Concern for Parents of Young Children"

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned about an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as shigella, which can cause stomach problems, particularly in children under 5. Shigella can cause bloody diarrhea, fever and stomach pain, among other symptoms, making this an illness no one wants to have. Doctors say there are a lot of other illnesses floating around right now that your child is more likely to get, but it's important to be cautious. Shigella infections are diagnosed with a stool culture and can be treated with oral antibiotics for three to five days.