About
Shigella
Shigella
are bacteria that can infect the digestive tract and cause a wide
range of symptoms, from
diarrhea
, cramping, vomiting, and nausea, to more serious complications and
illnesses. Infections, called shigellosis, sometimes go away on
their own; in others, antibiotics can shorten the course of the
illness.
Shigellosis, which is most common during the summer months,
typically affects kids 2 to 4 years old, and rarely infects infants
younger than 6 months old.
These infections are very contagious and can be prevented with
good hand washing
practices.
Signs and Symptoms
Shigella
bacteria produce toxins that can attack the lining of the large
intestine, causing swelling, ulcers on the intestinal wall, and
bloody diarrhea.
The severity of the diarrhea sets shigellosis apart from regular
diarrhea. In kids with shigellosis, the first bowel movement is
often large and watery. Later bowel movements may be smaller, but
the diarrhea may have blood and mucus in it.
Other symptoms of shigellosis include:
- abdominal cramps
- high fever
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- painful bowel movements
In very severe cases of shigellosis, a person may have
convulsions (seizures), a stiff neck, a headache, extreme
tiredness, and confusion. Shigellosis can also lead to
dehydration
and in rare cases, other complications, like arthritis, skin
rashes, and kidney failure.
Some children with severe cases of shigellosis may need to be
hospitalized.
Contagiousness
Shigellosis is very contagious. Someone may become infected by
coming into in contact with something contaminated by stool from an
infected person. This includes toys, surfaces in restrooms, and
even food prepared by someone who is infected. For instance, kids
who touch a contaminated surface such as a toilet or toy and then
put their fingers in their mouths can become infected.
Shigella
can even be carried and spread by flies that have touched
contaminated stool.
Because it doesn't take many
Shigella
bacteria to cause an infection, the illness spreads easily in
families and child-care centers. The bacteria may also spread in
water supplies in areas where there is poor sanitation.
Shigella
can be passed in the person's stool for about 4 weeks even
after the obvious symptoms of illness have resolved (although
antibiotic treatment can reduce the excretion of
Shigella
bacteria in the stool).
Prevention
The best way to prevent the spread of
Shigella
is by frequent and careful hand washing with soap, especially after
they use the toilet and before they eat. This is especially
important in a child-care setting.
If you're caring for a child who has diarrhea, wash your
hands before touching other people and before handling food.
(Anyone with a diarrhea should
not
prepare food for others.) Be sure to frequently clean and disinfect
any toilet used by someone with shigellosis.
Diapers of a child with shigellosis should be disposed of in a
sealed garbage can, and the diaper area should be wiped with
disinfectant after use. Young children (especially those still in
diapers) with shigellosis or with diarrhea of any cause should be
kept away from other kids.
Proper handling, storage, and
preparation of food
can also help prevent
Shigella
infections. Cold foods should be kept cold and hot foods should be
kept hot to prevent bacterial growth.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To confirm the diagnosis of shigellosis, your doctor may take a
stool sample from your child to be tested for
Shigella
bacteria. Blood tests and other tests can also rule out other
possible causes of the symptoms, especially if your child has a
large amount of blood in the stool.
Some cases of shigellosis require no treatment, but antibiotics
often will be given to shorten the illness and to prevent the
spread of bacteria to others.
If the doctor prescribes antibiotics, give them as prescribed.
Avoid giving your child nonprescription
medicines
for vomiting or diarrhea unless the doctor recommends them, as they
can prolong the illness. Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) can be
given to reduce fever and make your child more comfortable.
To prevent dehydration, follow your doctor's guidance about
what your child should eat and drink. Your doctor may recommend a
special drink called an oral rehydration solution, or ORS (such as
Pedialyte) to replace body fluids quickly, especially if the
diarrhea has lasted 2 or 3 days or more.
Children who become moderately or severely dehydrated or those
with other more serious illnesses may need to be hospitalized to be
monitored and receive treatment such as intravenous (IV) fluid
therapy or antibiotics.
When to Call the Doctor
Call the doctor if your child has signs of a
Shigella
infection, including diarrhea with blood or mucus, accompanied by
abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, or high fever.
Children with diarrhea can quickly become dehydrated, which can
lead to serious complications. Signs of dehydration include:
- thirst
- irritability
- restlessness
- lethargy
- dry mouth, tongue, and lips
- sunken eyes
- a dry diaper for several hours in infants or fewer trips to
the bathroom to urinate in older children
If you see any of these signs, call the doctor right away.
Reviewed by:
Joel Klein, MD
Date reviewed: November 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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