Shigella is a bacteria infection of your bowel that can cause severe diarrhoea.
Shigella passes from the poop (stool) or unclean fingers of one person to the mouth of another person. This can happen during sexual activity through:
Symptoms usually start 1–2 days after swallowing the germs and include bloody diarrhoea (red), dehydration, fever, and stomach pain.
Most people with Shigella infection—including those infected with antimicrobial-resistant Shigella—recover within 5 to 6 days without antibiotics.
If you have diarrhoea:
See a doctor or healthcare provider if you have severe symptoms, including:
A stool sample will be examined to diagnose shigella. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, take them exactly as directed and finish taking all the pills even if you feel better.
Diagnosed with Shigella infection? Prevent spreading it to others:
If you work in healthcare, food service, or childcare, stay home until your health department says it’s safe to return.