A drug resistant Shigella bacteria is on the rise in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. According to a report by the CDC published on April 9, there was a nearly 8.5% increase from 2011 to 2023 in Shigella infections that are drug resistance. “Whe reas earlier U.S. outbreaks involved drug-susceptible strains and primarily affected children, national surveillance data indicate that most XDR cases occurred among adult men. Approximately one third of patients were hospitalized,” the report reads in part. What is Shigellosis? The shigella infection, also known as Shigellosis, is an infection caused by the Shigella bacteria that affects the intestine by causing among other symptoms, bloody or prolonged diarrhea, according to the CDC. What are the symptoms of Shigellosis, the Shigella infection? The symptoms of Shigellosis (the name of the Shigella infection), according to the CDC, are: bloody or prolonged diarrhea, stomach pain, feeling the need to pass stool even when the bowels are empty, fever. How can you get infected by Shigella? The Shigella bacteria spreads easily, according to the CDC. Swallowing just a small amount of Shigella germs is enough to make you sick. Additionally, Shigella germs are in poop, so anything contaminated by poop could spread the germs.  Shigellosis is most commonly contracted from eating or drinking contaminated food, water, surfaces or objects. It can also be spread through sexual activity with a person who is sick with shigellosis. Who is most likely to get sick with Shigellosis? According to the CDC, certain groups of people are more prone to getting sick by shigellosis, including people experiencing homelessness, children younger than 5 years old since many outbreaks occur in early childcare or school settings, and travelers who go to places where food may be unsafe and sanitation is poor. How to prevent the spread of Shigella bacteria? In order to avoid spreading the Shigella bacteria: Wash your hands with soap and water at key times, like before and after eating, after touching someone who is sick, after using the bathroom, when traveling, etc. Be careful when changing diapers, making sure not to touch your or the baby’s face and washing your hands after handling the diaper. Avoid swallowing water while swimming. When traveling internationally, follow safe food and water habits. If you or your partner has been diagnosed with shigellosis, do not have sex for at least two weeks after the diarrhea ends. Treatment Although there are no Food and Drug Administration–approved oral treatment is available, there are ways to cope with the infection. According to the CDC, those who end up sick with Shigellosis usually get better without antibiotics in 5 to 7 days. People with mild shigellosis may need only rest and fluids, especially if they have diarrhea to avoid dehydration. However, your doctor could prescribe medicine if they deem necessary for treating the illness and symptoms that may go along with it. ...read more read less