Symptoms :
Shigella infection (also known as shigellosis) symptoms often appear one to two days after first coming into contact with the bacteria. These signs consist of:
- Diarrhea that can be bloody
- Fever
- Stomach pain
- Feeling the need to pass stool even when the bowels are empty
Some individuals won’t notice any symptoms.
Although symptoms typically last 5 to 7 days, they can linger anywhere from a few days to 4 or more weeks for some people. In certain situations, it could take many months for bowel habits to return to normal, including frequency of bowel movements and stool consistency.
Effects on Health :
Shigellosis, an infection of the intestines brought on by Shigella. The primary sign of this illness is diarrhea, which may even have blood in it. Additionally, the individual may experience a fever and adnexal cramping. The diarrhea may worsen as the infection develops, which can cause dehydration and significant weight loss. Sometimes people do not exhibit any symptoms, yet their stool might still be infectious.
Kids between the ages of 2 and 4 are typically more susceptible to developing Shigella infection. If the symptoms are moderate, they may go away in about a week. Advanced antibiotics may be provided to treat the infection if it exists.
Diagnosis :
Shigella can be detected in feces (poop), which can be used to diagnose an infection in a sick person. The test could be a quick diagnostic test that finds the pathogen’s genetic material or a culture that isolates the bacteria.
Prevention :
Shigella does not yet have a vaccine, but there are many additional preventive steps you can take.
- Hands should be thoroughly washed on a frequent basis. Make sure your toddler thoroughly cleans his hands as well.
- Put old diapers in the right trash
- Lake, pond, and pool water should not be consumed. If someone who has an infection had swum in it, it would be polluted.
Treatment :
If you or a member of your family experiences severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, or other symptoms of illness, especially if you have a fever, you should get in touch with your doctor very once. In order to reduce your risk of developing serious illness, let your doctor know if you have any other medical disorders or a compromised immune system, such as that caused by HIV infection or chemotherapy.
- To avoid dehydration, those who have a Shigella infection should consume enough of water.
- Anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide (Imodium) or diphenoxylate with atropine shouldn’t be taken by people with bloody diarrhea (Lomotil). These drugs could worsen symptoms.
- The duration of your fever and diarrhea may be reduced by roughly 2 days with antibiotics.
- Azithromycin and ciprofloxacin are two oral antibiotics that are suggested.
If your doctor has prescribed an antibiotic, follow the directions exactly and take the entire course of medication, even if you feel better.
What actions should I take if I have Shigella? :
Without the use of drugs, most patients recover from Shigella infection. However, if your doctor has prescribed an antibiotic, follow the directions completely and let him or her know if you don’t feel better in a few days. To determine whether your infection is resistant, your doctor might prescribe additional testing.
