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Case of highly contagious and often drug-resistant bacterial disease, Shigella, are on the rise in the United States, with dozens of doctors issuing warnings.
Shigella can cause bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, dehydration, stomach cramps, seizures, blood infections, and in rare cases, death.
Experts have long known that strains of Shigella disproportionately cause serious illness in children under 5 years of age. But U.S. health department doctors announced in April that white men are now most susceptible to infections from resistant drugs. Shigella.
These findings could change how hospitals respond to this ubiquitous disease, doctors noted in a federal report.
There are 450,000 Shigella cases and 38 deaths each year in the United States, according to the medical textbook Merck Manuals.
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The majority of people recover by drinking water and the electrolyte-rich drink Pedialyte, according to the Mayo Clinic.
But serious infections, which can last for months, may require antibiotics to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. This may be a problem for the 242,000 people with drug-resistant strains of the virus. Shigella every year, according to CDC data. Treatment options for drug-resistant strains are limited to a few drugs, such as ceftriaxone and pivmecillinam.
The federal report also notes that there has been higher transmission of an “excessively drug-resistant” strain over the past decade, for which there are no government-approved oral antibiotics. It is still unclear how many annual drug-resistant infections are due to excessive pressure.
“The high transmission potential of XDR Shigella strains highlights the importance of susceptibility testing and timely reporting of this nationally notifiable disease for prevention,” the doctors wrote.
The key to staying safe is to stay aware and take steps to prevent possible infections, the clinic says. Shigella spreads from person to person by touching or swallowing objects infected with the bacteria. Exposure can occur when you touch your mouth or consume contaminated food or drinks.
The bacteria is also spread through sexual contact involving the anus, putting men who have sex with men at higher risk of infection.
People who are homeless and have reduced access to clean water and toilets are also at higher risk.
A few simple actions can prevent the disease. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating, engaging in sexual activity, or changing a diaper, according to the clinic. It is also advisable to avoid sexual contact for at least two weeks with anyone suffering from diarrhea or who has recently recovered from diarrhea.
Gn Health
