Who gets Shigellosis?
Anyone can get shigellosis, however, it is most common in young children 1 to 4 years of age. Children who attend day care centers are at greater risk for acquiring this infection from other children. Others at risk for contracting Shigellosis include homosexual men, institutionalized persons, and foreign travelers to certain countries. How is Shigellosis spread? A person becomes infected with Shigella by swallowing the bacteria. This can occur when an individual eats or drinks contaminated food or water, or has direct contact with an infected person who has poor personal hygiene. What are the symptoms of Shigellosis? The symptoms of Shigella include watery diarrhea (which may contain blood and mucus), fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Some infected individuals may not have any symptoms. How soon do symptoms occur? Symptoms of shigellosis usually occur between 1 to 7 days after swallowing Shigella bacteria. How is Shigellosis diagnosed? The diagnosis of Shigellosis is usua
