The latest surveillance data shows that, out of 17,000 samples tested, the percentage found to have drug-resistant Shigella bacteria grew from 0% in 2011 to 8.5% in 2023.
“Whereas earlier U.S. outbreaks involved drug-susceptible strains and primarily affected children, national surveillance data indicate that most [drug-resistant] cases occurred among men,” the CDC notes. “Approximately one third of patients were hospitalized.”
Shigella bacteria, which is passed by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or through sex with an infected person, can cause bloody and prolonged diarrhea, fever and stomach pain, among other symptoms.
It often takes five days to a week for symptoms to pass, but some people not recover full for four or more weeks, the CDC says. People who suffer a bout of Shigellosis may not experience an entirely normal bowel movement for several months after.
“We researchers like to refer to Shigella as ‘E. coli with an attitude’ because they are very good at living inside of us and skillful at causing disease,” according to Dr. Anthony T. Maurelli, a professor of environmental and global health with the University of Florida. “You only need to ingest a small number of bacteria to get sick.”
While most cases resolve themselves, researchers say, antibiotics are used in especially serious cases.
There is currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for the drug-resistant bacteria, however.
How to avoid Shigella, and when to seek medical help
While Shigella may pass on its own for some people, there are situations in which experts advise seeking medical attention.
The CDC recommends seeing a doctor if you have bloody or prolonged diarrhea, or if diarrhea is paired with any of the following symptoms: fever, severe stomach cramping, tenderness, dehydration, weakened immune systems or a longer-than-normal case.
The CDC says Shigella germs spread easily between people, but there are steps people can take to avoid an infection.
Washing hands with soap and water before sexual activity, preparing a meal or eating is crucial, according to the CDC. People should also wash their hands after a bowel movement, a diaper change or bathroom cleaning.
The CDC also urges people not to drink from ponds, lakes or swimming pools.
Anyone who has had a Shigella infection should not have sex for at least two weeks after diarrhea symptoms end.
See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more safety information.
