February 27, 2023 – Health officials warn that a rise within the drug-resistant type of the Shigella bacteria poses a “serious threat to public health.”
The CDC announced the warning Friday in regards to the increase in problematic infections. Most of those were observed in men who've sex with men, but a small number also occurred in women and young children.
The bacteria may be transmitted in numerous ways, including changing an infected baby's diaper, touching your mouth to bacteria in your hands, eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or through sexual contact. Transmission is simple because even a tiny amount of the bacteria is sufficient to make someone sick.
A Shigella infection causes diarrhea, which could also be bloody. Other symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps, and feeling like it's essential poop though your bowels are already empty. Most people get well on their very own with rest and hydration, and severe cases may require antibiotic treatment. However, there are an increasing variety of strains of bacteria which might be proof against treatment.
Between 2015 and 2022, cases of antibiotic-resistant Shigella infections increased from 0% to five% of all Shigella cases within the United States. An evaluation found that 82% of cases affected men, 13% women, and 5% children. A small sample of those affected provided details about their sexual intercourse, and 88% of them reported male-male sexual contact.
People at increased risk of infection include young children, homeless people, international travelers, individuals with weakened immune systems, people infected with HIV, and men who've sex with men.
The CDC urged health care staff to be looking out for and report these infections. The agency plans to Webinars Tuesday to tell officials and public medical examiners in regards to the bacteria.