Health experts have raised concerns over the spread of Shigella infections in the United States, as drug-resistant strains complicate treatment and increase the risk of severe illness.
According to The Independent, Shigella is a highly contagious bacterium that causes shigellosis, an infection associated with diarrhoea, fever, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration. Severe cases can lead to bloody stools, seizures and bloodstream infections, while death is possible in rare instances.
The report cited estimates of approximately 450,000 Shigella infections and 38 related deaths annually in the US. Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that about 242,000 infections each year involve strains resistant to antibiotics, highlighting the challenge facing healthcare providers.
A federal report released in April identified a demographic pattern in drug-resistant Shigella infections, with white men emerging as a group of concern. The findings could inform how health authorities monitor the disease and develop targeted prevention strategies. However, the reported pattern should not be interpreted as meaning that all members of this group face the same level of risk.
Another concern is the spread of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella, which has become more prominent over the past decade. According to The Independent, no government-approved oral antibiotic is available for treating this strain, limiting treatment options. The choice of medication for resistant infections depends on laboratory susceptibility results and clinical guidance.
Shigella can spread through contaminated food, water, hands and surfaces, as well as sexual activities involving contact with faecal matter. Men who have sex with men face an increased risk through certain sexual practices, while people experiencing homelessness and those without reliable access to clean water and sanitation may also be more vulnerable. The Independent also reported that a child in Louisiana contracted the infection after swimming in a lake, although authorities said the incident did not require the water body to be closed.
Most patients recover with adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement, but severe infections may require medical attention and, in some cases, antibiotics selected according to the strain’s susceptibility. Preventive measures include washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, practising safer sex and avoiding sexual contact during diarrhoea and for at least two weeks after symptoms end. Researchers are also investigating vaccine candidates, with an early-stage clinical trial reportedly showing promising protection among US adults.
