What Causes Shigella enteritis?
Shigella enteritis is caused by 1 of 4 different strains of the shigella bacteria. Outbreaks of shigella enteritis are associated with poor sanitation, inadequate water supplies, contaminated food, crowded living conditions, and fly-infested environments. How is Shigella enteritis Spread? The bacteria that cause shigella enteritis must be swallowed to cause an infection. The bacteria are often spread when people do not wash their hands with soap and water after using the toilet or changing a diaper. People who get the shigella bacteria on their hands can infect themselves by eating, smoking, or touching their mouths. They can also spread the germs to anyone or anything they touch, making others sick. Symptoms of Shigella enteritis Once a person is exposed to shigella enteritis, symptoms may not appear for the first 1 to 7 days. When symptoms are present, the most common symptoms are: • acute abdominal pain or cramping • crampy rectal pain • watery diarrhea • dehydration • vomiting • na
