A03: Shigellosis

Shigellosis is a group of bacterial infections caused by the Shigella bacteria and is primarily classified as a foodborne illness. The primary transmission method is through ingesting contaminated food or water, but it can also spread from person to person due to its high infectivity. The most common symptoms include severe diarrhea, often with blood or mucus, abdominal pain, fever, and feelings of needing to pass stool even when the bowels are empty. Shigellosis is especially active in the gut and can cause significant damage to the intestinal wall. In severe cases, this can lead to dysentery. The condition typically shows its first symptoms one to two days post exposure and can persist for five to seven days. The infections are more common in environments where hygiene levels are low, and a person's ability to fight off infection is compromised, such as in crowded living conditions or among young children and the elderly.