Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Our Blog,Shigella on December 4, 2024
Hi there! Welcome to MakeFoodSafe.com, where we help people who have become sick with food poisoning. Today, we are here to answer the web’s most searched questions about Shigella.
Here we go!
At the top of the list of questions about Shigella is “what exactly is Shigella?”
Shigella is a type of bacteria known to cause the diarrheal illness, shigellosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 450,000 people are infected with Shigella bacteria in the United States each year.
Shigella symptoms usually begin around one to two days after infection.
It isn’t the fastest onset when it comes to foodborne illnesses, but many people can remember what they ate over the last day or so.
That’s a good one!
Shigella symptoms, like most illnesses, can range from mild to very serious.
Common Shigella symptoms include fever, stomach pain, diarrhea (often lasting more than three days and can be bloody), and most notably, feeling the need to pass stool (poop) even after there is nothing left to pass.
Some people (up to 3% of those infected) may experience a complication known as reactive arthritis. This complication causes chronic joint pain, swelling and irritation of the eyes, and sometimes painful urination. This reactive arthritis is a rare autoimmune disease that happens when the infection attacks the body’s collagen centers.
Yes. Believe it or not. You have collagen in your eyes and even in your urethra.
Another one of the more common questions about Shigella involves how long you stay sick. While it can vary from person to person and is based on many factors, most people feel better in about a week.
One of the most asked questions about Shigella is how it treated?
Most people do not need antibiotic treatment to recover from a Shigella infection. Those with mild Shigella infections usually only need fluids and rest to recover.
For those severe illnesses, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotic treatment or administer intravenous (IV) fluids to replace lost hydration.
Good question!
If you are trying to avoid becoming sick with Shigella, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk.
One of the most important things you can do to avoid getting Shigella infection is to wash your hands.
Be sure to wash your hands before and after you prepare food or eat. Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Also, follow safe food and water practices when traveling internationally. Be sure to look up potential risks for places on your destination list.
Another good one!
Shigella is found in the feces of those infected with Shigella bacteria. Also areas contaminated from sewage leaks. Even water (pools, hot tubs, etc.) with infected swimmers. Especially swimmers who have or recently have had diarrhea.
Ohhh… While this question is important. It might gross you out a bit.
Shigella infections are transmitted through what is called fecal-oral route.
You could probably use your imagination. But I’m going to tell you anyway.
Shigella infections are transmitted when you consume small amounts of bacteria. Think about that fecal-oral route wording for a moment.
Fortunately, it isn’t as bad as it seems. At least it doesn’t have to be. It only takes a small number of bacteria to make you sick. So, trace amounts undetectable to the human eyes, nose, and thankfully tongue can still make you sick.
However, anything contaminated with poop from someone who is sick or has recently been sick with Shigella infection can be infectious. This could be door handles (not just bathroom doors), countertops, playground equipment, handrails, and just about anything that is touched.
Oh goodness, yes. Shigella is quite contagious. A very small number of bacteria is all it takes to spread the bacterial infection to another person.
This one is easy. No. Shigella is a bacterium.
Viruses are different types of germs.
Yes. Shigella is potentially dangerous. Infections can make you very sick with potential long-term consequences.
But what makes Shigella even more dangerous is the amount of antimicrobial resistant strains floating around.
When a bacterial is labeled “antimicrobial resistant,” it means that most commonly used antimicrobial treatments do not work on them. In this case, many strains of Shigella bacteria are resistant to common antibiotics. This makes infection harder to treat. In fact, XRD Shigella bacteria are resistant to all generally recommended antibiotics used in the United States.
Antimicrobial resistant Shigella infections result in an estimated $93 million in direct medical costs.
Even worse, some studies have found that XDR Shigella bacteria can even spread antimicrobial resistance genes to other enteric bacteria.
It can SPREAD antimicrobial resistance!
Now that is dangerous!!
Finally, one of the most asked questions about Shigella bacteria. What food is Shigella commonly found in?
Common foods associated with Shigella infection include:
While these are the most common harborers of Shigella bacteria, just about anything that comes in contact with water that has been contaminated or other unsanitary conditions may contain the harmful germ.
We appreciate you reading today’s topic, the web’s most asked questions about Shigella on MakeFoodSafe.com.
For this, and more about food safety topics in the news, check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!
If you have been impacted by Shigella infection and wish to make a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Shigella lawyer that can help! Call (833) 330-3663 or fill out the online submission form for a free, no obligation consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)