Updated: May 21, 2026
What is Shigellosis?
Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by the Shigella bacteria. Shigella is responsible for an estimated 450,000 infections annually in the United States, with approximately 242,000 of these being antimicrobial-resistant. South Carolina reports an average of 54 shigellosis cases per year.
What are the symptoms?
Most people develop diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever a day or two after they are exposed to the bacteria. For most people, symptoms will resolve in about a week; however, even with symptom resolution, a person can remain infectious for up to an additional 2 weeks. Since many different types of germs can cause diarrhea, a laboratory test ordered by your doctor is the only sure way to determine if someone has Shigella.
How is Shigella treated?
Most people with shigellosis recover on their own within 5 to 7 days and generally only need fluids and rest. Health care providers may prescribe antibiotics for more severe cases; however, some antibiotics may not be effective against certain strains of Shigella. If you are prescribed antibiotics for a shigellosis infection, be sure to take the full course of drugs your doctor prescribes to kill the bacteria and shorten the illness. Additionally, it is recommended not to use antidiarrheal agents like Imodium or Lomotil as they could make the illness worse.
How do people catch this disease?
This bacterium is passed from an infected person, usually through the fecal-oral route. This means that most infections are passed from the stool or soiled fingers of one person to the mouth of another. The disease can also be spread by contaminated food and by swimming in the same water that an individual infected with shigellosis swims.
Who is at risk?
Some groups of people are more likely to get sick with shigellosis than others, including:
- Children younger than 5 years old. This group is the most likely to get shigellosis, but people of all ages can get the disease. Many outbreaks occur in early care and education settings and schools.
- Travelers to places where water and food may be unsafe and sanitation is poor are more likely to get a Shigella infection.
- Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) have factors that put them at increased risk for Shigella infection. Although rates are higher among GBMSM, the risk is present for any sexual activity involving stool exposure.
- People who are experiencing homelessness are at high risk for Shigella infection when there is shigellosis spread in the community.
How can we prevent this illness?
- The best way to stop the spread of Shigella is by frequent and careful hand washing. Handwashing should occur before eating, after using the bathroom or helping small children use the bathroom, and after changing diapers.
- All diaper changing areas should be wiped with a disinfectant after each change, and dirty diapers should be disposed of in a closed lid container.
- Children with diarrhea do not enter swimming pools, or come in contact with other children, until they have been without diarrhea for at least 2 days.
- Anyone with a diarrheal illness should refrain from preparing food for others.
- When traveling internationally, make sure to follow safe food and water habits and clean your hands often.