Shigellosis

About Shigellosis:

• It is a highly contagious bacterial diarrhoeal disease caused by shigella.
• It can affect anyone, but children under five are particularly susceptible.
• It is one of the leading bacterial causes of diarrhoea worldwide.
• Humans are the only natural reservoir of the Shigella bacteria.
• The disease may be more severe in young children, older adults, immune-compromised individuals or malnourished persons.
• Transmission:
  • The infection is transmitted through direct, close contact with infected individuals, through the faecal-oral route and through sexual contact.
  • It can also spread through contaminated food and water or contact with faeces of an infected person.
• Treatment: Medicines, including antibiotics may be prescribed for a serious infection.