Where and how does Shigella get into drinking water?
Shigella is found in every part of the United States and throughout the world. The bacteria can get into groundwater and private wells through discharges from faulty septic systems or sewage treatment plants. Wells may be more vulnerable to such contamination after flooding, particularly if the wells are shallow, have been dug or bored, or have been submerged by floodwater for long periods of time. What are the symptoms of shigellosis? The most common symptoms of shigellosis include: • Diarrhea that may be mild or severe, watery or bloody • Fever • Nausea Vomiting and abdominal cramps may also occur. Symptoms generally begin within 12-96 hours (usually 1-3 days) after exposure to Shigella, and usually last for 4-7 days. Some infected people have no symptoms. However, persons with weakened immune systems (e.g., person with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients, and transplant patients) or the elderly may experience a more serious infection that can lead to severe, if not life-threatening illness. W
