overview
- Shigella infection (shigellosis) is an infection of the intestines caused by a family of bacteria known as shigella. The main sign of Shigella infection is diarrhea, which is often bloody.
- Shigella is very contagious. People become infected with Shigella when they come into contact with small amounts of bacteria from the stool of someone infected with Shigella and swallow them. This can happen in a daycare center, for example, when employees don’t wash their hands well enough after changing diapers or helping toddlers potty train. The Shigella bacteria can also be transmitted through infected food or by drinking or swimming in unsanitary water. Shigella infection treatment in Nizamabad
symptom
The signs and symptoms of Shigella infection usually begin a day or two after contact with Shigella. However, it can take up to a week to develop. Signs and symptoms can include:
- Diarrhea (often with blood or mucus)
- Stomach pain or cramps
- fever
- Nausea or vomiting
The reasons
Infection occurs when you accidentally ingest Shigella bacteria. This can happen if you:
Touch your mouth. Direct person-to-person contact is the most common way the disease can spread. For example, if you don’t wash your hands well after changing a diaper for a child with Shigella infection, you may be infected yourself.
Eat contaminated food. Infected people who handle food can pass the bacteria on to people who eat food. Food can also become infected with Shigella bacteria if grown in a field with sewage.
Swallow contaminated water. Water can become infected with the Shigella bacteria, either through sewage or by a Shigella infected person swimming in it. Shigella infection treatment in Nizamabad
Risk factors
Be a child. Children under the age of 5 are most likely to get Shigella infection. But Shigella can infect people of all ages.
Live in group accommodation or take part in group activities. Close contact with other people spreads the bacteria from person to person. Shigella outbreaks are more common in daycare, paddling pools, nursing homes, prisons, and military barracks.
Live or travel in areas without sanitation. People who live or travel in developing countries are more likely to get Shigella infection.
Be a man who has sex with men. Men who have sex with men are at higher risk of Shigella infection due to direct or indirect oral anal contact during sexual activity.
Complications
Shigella infection usually goes away without complications. However, it may take weeks or months for your bowel habits to return to normal.
Complications can be:
Dehydration. Constant diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Signs and symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, lack of tears in children, sunken eyes, and dry diapers. Severe dehydration can lead to shock and death.
Seizures. Some children with Shigella infection have seizures. Seizures are more common in children with a high fever, but can occur in children without a high fever. It is not known whether the seizures are the result of the fever or the Shigella infection itself. If your child has a seizure, contact your doctor right away.
prevention
Although researchers continue to develop a vaccine against Shigella, nothing is yet available. To prevent Shigella from spreading:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Supervise young children while washing their hands
- Dispose of soiled diapers properly
- Disinfect changing rooms after use
- Don’t prepare food for others if you have diarrhea Shigella infection treatment in Nizamabad
