What is Shigellosis? 🦠💩
Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Shigella. It primarily causes inflammation of the intestines, leading to diarrhea and abdominal pain.
How is Shigellosis Transmitted?
- Fecal-oral route: ingestion of contaminated food or water 🚰🍴
- Direct person-to-person contact, especially in crowded places or where hygiene is poor 🤲
- Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
Symptoms
- Diarrhea, often bloody or with mucus 💩🩸
- Abdominal cramps and pain 🤕
- Fever 🌡️
- Nausea and vomiting 🤢
- Tenesmus (a painful feeling of needing to pass stools even when bowels are empty)
Diagnosis
- Stool culture to identify Shigella bacteria
- Occasionally blood tests if systemic infection is suspected
Treatment
- Most mild cases resolve without antibiotics
- Antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin or azithromycin) are used in severe cases or to reduce transmission
- Oral rehydration therapy to prevent dehydration 💧
- Good nutrition and rest
Prevention 🛡️
- Practice good hand hygiene, especially after using the toilet and before eating 🧼
- Ensure safe drinking water and proper food handling
- Avoid swallowing water from potentially contaminated sources
- Maintain clean sanitation facilities